Battle of Crotoy (1347) facts for kids

The Battle of Crotoy was a sea battle that happened on June 25, 1347. It took place near the mouth of the Somme River in France, off a town called Le Crotoy. This battle was part of the long conflict known as the Hundred Years' War.

In this battle, an English fleet fought against a French fleet. The French ships were trying to help the town of Calais. Calais was under attack by the English army, led by King Edward III of England. The English fleet, commanded by William de Bohun and Laurence Hastings, won the battle.

What Was the Battle of Crotoy?

The Battle of Crotoy was a fight between ships from England and France. It happened at sea, not on land. This battle was a small but important part of the much larger Hundred Years' War. This war was a long series of conflicts between England and France.

Why Did This Battle Happen?

The main reason for the battle was the Siege of Calais. A siege is when an army surrounds a town or city to try and capture it. The English army, led by King Edward III, was trying to take Calais. This town was very important to France.

The French fleet gathered about 40 ships. Their goal was to relieve Calais. This means they wanted to bring supplies and help to the people trapped inside the town. They hoped to break through the English forces surrounding Calais.

The Fleets and Commanders

The French fleet was made up of about 40 ships. We don't know who their main commander was. We also don't know exactly how many sailors or soldiers they had.

The English fleet was led by two important noblemen. They were William de Bohun, who was the Earl of Northampton, and Laurence Hastings, the Earl of Pembroke. The exact size of the English fleet is also unknown.

What Happened During the Battle?

The two fleets met near the mouth of the Somme River. This area is close to the English Channel. The French ships were trying to reach Calais to help the besieged town.

The English fleet stopped them. The battle was a clash between the two groups of ships. Details about the fighting are not well known. However, the outcome was clear.

The Outcome

The Battle of Crotoy ended in an English victory. The French fleet was defeated. This meant they could not reach Calais to help the town.

Because the French fleet was defeated, the siege of Calais continued. The English army kept up their attack on the town. This battle was a setback for France in the Hundred Years' War.