Edward III's chevauchée of 1355 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edward III's chevauchée of 1355 |
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| Part of the Hundred Years' War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of England |
.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of France |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| King Edward III |
King John II of France |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 9,000–10,000 | Unknown | ||||||
In 1355, King Edward III of England led a special military trip into France. This type of raid was called a chevauchée (say: she-vo-SHAY). It was a fast march through enemy land, often to cause damage and get supplies. Edward hoped this raid would make the French king, John II, come out and fight a big battle. Around the same time, Edward's son, The Black Prince, also started his own chevauchée from Bordeaux in France.
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Edward's Raid into Picardy
Why did Edward III start a chevauchée?
King Edward III wanted to force the French army into a major battle. He believed a big win could help England gain more power in the ongoing Hundred Years' War. A chevauchée was a way to challenge the French king and show England's strength.
When did the raid happen?
Edward's chevauchée began on November 2, 1355. He led his army from Calais, which was an English area in France. The raid lasted for about nine days.
Where did the English army go?
Edward's army marched into a region of France called Picardy. This area was controlled by the French. The English force had between 9,000 and 10,000 soldiers.
How did the French respond?
King John II of France chose not to fight a big battle. Instead, he used a strategy called "scorched earth." This meant his troops would burn crops and destroy anything useful in the path of the English army. This made it hard for Edward's soldiers to find food and supplies. The French also bothered the English supply lines, making it difficult for them to get messages or more resources.
What was the result of the raid?
After reaching a town called Hesdin, King Edward III decided to turn back. He returned to Calais on November 11, 1355. The raid did not lead to the big battle Edward had hoped for. Because of this, the chevauchée ended without a clear winner. It is considered an "inconclusive" event in the war.
