Battle of Mauron facts for kids

The Battle of Mauron was an important fight that happened in 1352. It took place in a region called Brittany, which is now part of France. This battle was part of a bigger conflict known as the Breton War of Succession. It was also connected to the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

In this battle, two main groups fought. One group supported Jean de Montfort and included soldiers from England and Brittany. The other group supported Charles de Blois and included soldiers from France and Brittany. The Anglo-Breton forces won the battle.

What Led to the Battle of Mauron?

In 1352, a French army entered Brittany. This army was led by a French commander named Marshal Guy II de Nesle. They had already taken back some areas, including the city of Rennes. Their next goal was to capture a castle in a town called Ploërmel. This castle was held by English and Breton soldiers.

The English captain, Sir Walter Bentley, and the Breton captain, Tanguy I du Chastel, heard about the approaching French army. They quickly gathered their own troops. Their plan was to stop the French forces before they reached Ploërmel.

On August 14, 1352, the two armies met. The battle happened near a place called Brambily, which is now the town of Saint-Léry, close to Mauron castle.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The armies were made up of soldiers from different sides of the conflict.

The Anglo-Breton Army

This army supported Jean de Montfort. It had about 2,000 soldiers. Their main leaders were Sir Walter Bentley from England and Tanguy I du Chastel from Brittany. Sir Walter Bentley had taken over command after another English leader, Sir Thomas Dagworth, was killed.

The Franco-Breton Army

This army supported Charles de Blois. It was much larger, with about 5,000 soldiers. The French marshal Guy II de Nesle was their main commander. He was joined by the Breton captain Jehan de Beaumanoir.

How the Battle Unfolded

Even though Sir Walter Bentley's army was smaller, they chose a very strong defensive spot. The English soldiers were known for using smart tactics. They placed their foot soldiers in a long line. Their archers, who used powerful longbows, were placed on the sides. This formation helped them protect their flanks.

The Franco-Breton forces attacked late in the afternoon. The English longbowmen were very effective. Their arrows caused heavy losses among the French horses. When the French riders fell from their horses, they struggled to get up because of their heavy armor. The English foot soldiers then fought them on the ground.

At one point, the Anglo-Breton right side was pushed back. However, soldiers led by Sir Robert Knolles held their ground. They fought with their backs against a group of trees. Their strong defense eventually caused the French army to break and run away.

The French leader, Guy II de Nesle, was killed during the battle. Many French knights and nobles were captured, which was a big win for the Anglo-Breton side. This victory helped England gain more control in Brittany.

What Happened After the Battle?

The Battle of Mauron was very fierce, and both sides suffered many losses. About 800 soldiers from the Franco-Breton side were killed. The Anglo-Breton side lost around 600 soldiers.

The battle was especially hard on the Breton noble families who supported Charles de Blois. Besides Guy II de Nesle, another important Breton hero, Alain de Tinténiac, also died. He was famous for his role in the Battle of the Thirty.

More than eighty knights from a special French group called the Order of the Star also died. These knights had taken an oath never to retreat from battle. This oath might have led to more of them being killed.