Battle of Meung-sur-Loire facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Meung-sur-Loire
Part of the Hundred Years' War
Early sixteenth-century artist's impression of Joan of Arc on campaign.
Date 15 June 1429 Location Meung-sur-Loire, France Result French victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of France	Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
Joan of Arc John II of Alençon	John, Lord Talbot Thomas, Lord Scales
Strength
6000 – 7000 (including non combatants)	Lower than the French
Casualties and losses
Light	Heavy

The Battle of Meung-sur-Loire happened on June 15, 1429. It was an important battle during the Hundred Years' War. This fight was part of a bigger plan by the French army. It took place right after Joan of Arc helped lift the siege at Orléans. This battle was a key moment in the French effort to push back the English.

Why Meung-sur-Loire Was Important

Meung-sur-Loire is a small town in central France. It sits on the north bank of the Loire river. This town was very important because it had a bridge. This bridge was a crucial crossing point during the war. A few years before, the English had captured the town. They planned to use it as a base to invade southern France.

However, the French army launched a strong attack. They managed to take back control of the bridge. This made it much harder for the English to move their troops south of the river.

The Loire Campaign Battles

The French army's plan in 1429 was called the Loire Campaign. It included five main battles:

• The Siege of Orléans
• The Battle of Jargeau
• The Battle of Meung-sur-Loire
• The Battle of Beaugency
• The Battle of Patay

Before these battles, most of France north of the Loire river was controlled by foreign forces. The bridge at Orléans had been destroyed. The French had lost control of all other river crossings. But the quick victories at Jargeau, Meung-sur-Loire, and Beaugency changed everything. These battles showed that the French army was confident again. They also set the stage for future French attacks on important cities like Rheims and Paris. The Loire Campaign also caused big losses for the English. Many top English commanders were killed or captured. A large number of their skilled English longbowmen were also lost.

How the Battle Was Fought

The English had strong defenses at Meung-sur-Loire. These included the town's walls, a fort at the bridge, and a large castle. The castle was where the English commanders stayed. These commanders were John, Lord Talbot and Thomas Scales.

Joan of Arc and Duke John II of Alençon led the French forces. Their army included famous captains like Jean d'Orléans, Gilles de Rais, Jean Poton de Xaintrailles, and La Hire. Some records say the French army had between 6,000 and 7,000 people. This number likely includes non-soldiers too.

The French army did not attack the town or the castle directly. Instead, they focused on the bridge's defenses. They launched a direct attack on the fort at the bridge. They captured it in just one day. After taking the bridge, they left a group of soldiers to guard it. This stopped the English from moving easily across the Loire river.

See also

• Medieval warfare