Battle of La Brossinière facts for kids

The Battle of La Brossinière, also known as the Battle of La Gravelle, was an important fight during the Hundred Years' War. It happened on September 26, 1423, near La Brossinière in France. This battle took place between the armies of England and France, not long after fighting had started again following the famous Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

The English army, led by Sir John De la Pole, had been raiding areas like Anjou and Maine. They were on their way back to Normandy when they faced a big defeat. Reports from the time say that the English were badly beaten, with many soldiers killed.

Quick facts for kids Battle of La Brossinière
Part of Hundred Years' War
Date 26 September 1423 Location La Brossinière, France Result French victory
Belligerents
France Anjou Maine Brittany(?)	England
Commanders and leaders
Ambroise of Loré John VIII of Harcourt André de Lohéac Louis of Trémigon	John de la Pole  Thomas Aubourg  Thomas Cliffeton
Strength
2,400 soldiers	2,000 soldiers 800 archers
Casualties and losses
1 knight and a few others (of no title)	1,400–1,700 killed 30 captured

Why the Battle Happened

The Battle of Agincourt had caused a lot of damage, especially to the noble families in the region. After this, the English leader, John, Duke of Bedford, wanted to take control of more French land. He was given the titles of Duke of Anjou and Count of Maine.

In September 1423, John de la Pole left Normandy with 2,000 soldiers and 800 archers. Their goal was to raid the areas of Maine and Anjou. They successfully captured Segré and gathered a huge amount of stolen goods. This included about 1,200 bulls and cows. They also took people as hostages as they headed back to Normandy.

French Forces Gather

Queen Yolande of Aragon, who was the mother-in-law of Charles VII of France, was in her town of Angers. She was very upset about the English raids and wanted to get revenge. She ordered Ambroise de Loré, a brave French commander, to lead a mission. Ambroise de Loré had been in charge of Sainte-Suzanne since 1422.

Ambroise knew that John VIII of Harcourt, who was the Count of Aumale and governor of Touraine, Anjou, and Maine, was in Tours. He was planning his own trip into Normandy. So, Ambroise quickly sent a message to Aumale. The governor rushed to Laval, bringing the soldiers he had already gathered. He also called for more men from all the lands he passed through.

Getting Ready for Battle

The French forces quickly came together. The baron of Coulonges offered his help, and it was accepted. Governor Aumale arrived in Laval on Friday, September 24. He set off early on Saturday morning to get into position on the road the English would use. He sent scouts ahead to watch the English army's movements closely.

From Bourgneuf-la-Forêt, Aumale sent a message to Anne de Laval in Vitré. He asked her to send the army of her sons, including André de Lohéac, who was only twelve years old at the time. She agreed happily and sent him with Guy XIV de Laval, the lord of Mont-Jean. They brought all the soldiers from the Laval area and other allies they could quickly gather.

Aumale then met with his commanders, including the bastard of Alençon, the sire de Mont-Jean, Louis of Trémigon, and Ambroise of Loré. He told them that the English were about three leagues (around 9 miles) away. He knew the English would pass through La Brossinière on the main road from Brittany the next Sunday morning. Some historical accounts suggest the French army had around 6,000 soldiers, but this number is debated by historians.

The Battleground

The battle took place on an old, well-known road called the chemin gravelais. People also called it the "chemin du Roy" (King's Road) in 1454. This ancient road was built to help carriages travel faster between Anjou and Normandy.

The Fight Begins

About two hours after the French army was ready for battle, English scouts arrived. They met the French skirmishers (lightly armed soldiers who fight in small groups). The English scouts pushed the French skirmishers back towards their main army. The English couldn't follow them further because a large group of French cavalry was in front. The two armies were only a bowshot away when they fully saw each other.

The English army had a long line of carts and supplies. They marched in good order and set up large wooden stakes. These stakes were for protection if the French cavalry attacked. Their foot soldiers moved to the front, and their carts and troops blocked the road behind them.

French commanders Trémigon, Loré, and Coulonges tried to break through the English defenses. But the English position was too strong. So, the French changed their plan. They attacked the English from the side. This surprise attack broke the English formation and pushed them against a large ditch. The English lost their organized lines. French foot soldiers then moved forward and fought hand-to-hand. The English could not hold out for long against this attack.

After the Battle

The battle was a devastating defeat for the English. Between 1,200 and 1,400 English soldiers died on the battlefield. Another 200 to 300 were killed while trying to escape. Many English leaders, including Sir John de la Pole, Thomas Aubourg, and Thomas Cliffeton, surrendered. Only about 120 English soldiers managed to get away.

On the French side, very few soldiers were lost. Only one knight, John Le Roux, and a few other soldiers were killed. André de Lohéac, who was only 16 years old at the time, was knighted after the battle. He would later become a famous Marshal of France. The lady of Laval made sure that the dead soldiers were properly buried.

After the victory, Aumale moved into Normandy. He tried to capture Avranches and looted the areas around Saint-Lô. However, an English army arrived to help, forcing him to stop his attack and leave the area.