Battle of Château-Laudran facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Château-Laudran
Part of the French Wars of Religion and the Anglo–Spanish War (1585–1604)
Date 11-13 June 1591 Location Châtelaudren, Brittany, France Result Protestant/Crown victory
Belligerents
French Royal Army England	Catholic League Spain
Commanders and leaders
Prince de Dombes John Norreys	Duke of Mercœur Don Roderigo   †
Strength
6,500	7,000
Casualties and losses
50	400 (including 260 captured)

The Battle of Château-Laudran, also called the Skirmish at Quenelac, was a military event that happened from June 11 to 13, 1591. It was part of two bigger conflicts: the French Wars of Religion and the Anglo–Spanish War. In this battle, French and English forces, who supported the Protestant king, fought against French and Spanish forces from the Catholic League. Even though there wasn't a huge, all-out fight, the Catholic League forces were forced to retreat after several smaller clashes.

Why the Battle Happened: The Background

France's Religious Wars

In the late 1500s, France was going through a tough time called the French Wars of Religion. This was a series of civil wars between French Catholics and Protestants (also known as Huguenots). The fighting was about who should be king and what religion France should follow.

The Duke of Mercœur's Rebellion

In 1590, a powerful leader named Duke of Mercœur rebelled against the new king, Henry of Navarre. Henry was a Protestant, and Mercœur, a strong Catholic, wanted to protect the Catholic Church in his region, Brittany. He also wanted Brittany to be more independent, like it used to be.

England Joins the Fight

England, led by Queen Elizabeth I, supported King Henry IV. In May 1591, England sent about 4,000 soldiers to France. These troops, led by Sir Roger Williams and John Norreys, joined the French Royal Army in Brittany. Their goal was to help Henry control Catholic towns that were getting help from Spain.

Armies Gather in Brittany

The French Royalist commander, Prince de Dombes, entered Brittany. He captured the town of Guingamp from the Catholic League and Spanish forces. As the Prince and John Norreys moved towards Morlaix, they learned that the Duke of Mercœur's Catholic army had grown much larger. About 4,000 Spanish soldiers had joined Mercœur, making his army around 6,000 foot soldiers and 500 horsemen.

The Prince decided to stay in Guingamp to fix the town's damaged walls. Mercœur then moved his army towards Châtelaudren. The Prince marched his forces to meet him. After some talks, both armies set up camp outside Châtelaudren, near a place called Quenelac. The Duke of Mercœur promised he would fight the Prince. The Prince chose a good spot for a battle and waited.

The Battle of Château-Laudran

Setting the Scene

On the next day, the Spanish and French Catholic forces arrived. They formed their battle lines on top of a hill. The Prince, with advice from John Norreys, arranged his soldiers into three groups. The English infantry made up two of these groups, and the cavalry (soldiers on horseback) made up the third.

The Catholic French and Spanish armies moved to the bottom of the hill. They placed their cannons on both sides of their army. The Prince's army marched towards them, near an open field.

First Clashes

When the Prince's troops saw the enemy, they charged forward and pushed them back. The Duke of Mercœur quickly sent 500 French and 200 Spanish soldiers to take back the open field. The main part of his army followed behind them.

The Prince then sent 300 English soldiers to help his front lines. These troops were led by Captain Anthony Wingfield, and the cavalry was led by Captain Anthony Shirley. At the same time, Mercœur sent about 100 musketeers (soldiers with muskets) to take over some houses and a small forest on the edge of the field. But the Prince sent 200 Royalist soldiers to stop them.

Surprise Attack

The English soldiers advanced, meeting the main part of Mercœur's army. This was a surprise to Mercœur's forces. They thought the English were just scouting. Instead, the English attacked! The enemy cavalry quickly ran away, leaving their foot soldiers exposed. Many of them were killed or captured. The rest tried to run back to their own lines. They were eventually pushed back into the main Catholic army, who then set up defenses and sent out more musketeers.

Continued Skirmishes

The next day, more small fights happened. The French and Spanish foot soldiers sent out many musketeers to test the Royalist lines. However, they were defeated by a cavalry charge led by Anthony Shirley. Many prisoners were taken during this confused fighting. The French colonel of infantry was captured, and a Spanish leader, Don Rodrigo, was killed. Shirley's horse was shot from under him, but he was not hurt.

The Retreat

In the early hours of June 13, after a few more small fights and cannon shots, Mercœur decided to retreat. He was very cautious and pulled his cannons back to Quenelac. The Prince's army remained in control of the battlefield.

What Happened Next: The Aftermath

The Prince's army, with the French and English forces, had won the field. A full, major battle had been avoided. The Prince did not chase the Catholic League and Spanish army. Instead, he returned to Guingamp to strengthen the town's defenses and its soldiers.

The Catholic League and Spanish forces suffered heavy losses. About 400 of their soldiers were lost. This included 60 Spaniards and 200 Frenchmen who were taken prisoner.

On June 26, Mercœur, feeling frustrated, sent his army home. He did this to avoid diseases and to allow his soldiers to help with the fruit harvest. About 600 of Norreys's troops were then sent to join Earl of Essex's force. This force took part in King Henry IV's attempt to capture Rouen, which was not successful.

In February 1592, Norreys went back to England. He did not return to France for another two years. As a result of his brave actions, Anthony Shirley was knighted by King Henry IV. However, this made Queen Elizabeth I unhappy, and Shirley was briefly put in prison.