List of Hundred Years' War battles facts for kids

The Hundred Years' War was a very long conflict between the kingdoms of England and France. It actually lasted for 116 years, from 1337 to 1453! This war wasn't just one big fight, but a series of battles, sieges, and smaller conflicts. Both sides wanted control over land in France and the French throne. This list will tell you about some of the most important battles that happened during this long and interesting period of history.

Early Battles and English Victories (1337–1347)

The war began with England trying to claim parts of France. Early on, England had some big wins.

Naval Power and Early Land Fights

• Battle of Cadzand (1337): This was one of the first clashes. England won, showing their early strength.
• Battle of Arnemuiden (1338): This was a naval battle. It's famous because it was the first time cannons were used in a sea fight! France won this one.
• Battle of Sluys (1340): A huge naval battle where England's King Edward III completely destroyed the French fleet. This victory was super important because it stopped France from invading England. It also meant most of the war would be fought on French soil.
• Battle of Saint-Omer (1340): This battle ended in a draw, but it forced the English and their allies to pull back.

English Successes in France

• Battle of Bergerac (1345): English forces attacked a French army in Gascony. The English won and took over the city, capturing many prisoners and goods.
• Battle of Crécy (1346): This was a major English victory. English longbowmen (archers with powerful bows) defeated a much larger French army. Thousands of French soldiers died, showing the power of English archery.
• Siege of Calais (1346–1347): After Crécy, the English laid siege to the city of Calais. It surrendered in 1347. This gave England an important port in France for many years.
• Battle of La Roche-Derrien (1347): A smaller English force managed to defeat a French army that was much bigger. This was a surprising win for England.

Mid-War Conflicts and French Comeback (1350–1372)

After some big English wins, the war continued with both sides having victories.

Famous Duels and Royal Captures

• Combat of the Thirty (1351): This was a unique event. Thirty French knights challenged thirty English knights to a fight. The French knights won this famous duel.
• Battle of Poitiers (1356): Another huge English victory. Edward the Black Prince, an English leader, captured the French King John II of France. This caused a lot of trouble and confusion in France.

Shifting Tides

• Battle of Cocherel (1364): French forces won this battle, showing their growing strength.
• Battle of Nájera (1367): The Black Prince led an English army to victory in Spain, helping an ally.
• Battle of Pontvallain (1370): A French army defeated English forces, showing France was starting to push back.
• Battle of La Rochelle (1372): A Spanish fleet, allied with France, defeated the English navy. This was a big loss for England at sea and allowed French ships to raid English coasts.

Later Battles and English Dominance (1382–1424)

The war continued with periods of intense fighting and some major English successes, especially under King Henry V.

Renewed English Power

• Battle of Margate (1387): The English fleet defeated a combined French, Spanish, and Flemish fleet. This ended the threat of France invading England.
• Siege of Harfleur (1415): English King Henry V captured this important French port.
• Battle of Agincourt (1415): This was one of the most famous battles of the war. King Henry V's English longbowmen once again crushed a much larger French army. Thousands of French soldiers died, while English losses were very low. This was a huge victory for England.
• Siege of Rouen (1418–1419): Henry V captured the city of Rouen, giving England a strong hold in Normandy, France.

French and Scottish Resistance

• Battle of Baugé (1421): French and Scottish forces surprised and defeated an English army. The English commander, the Duke of Clarence (King Henry V's brother), was killed. This forced Henry V to return to France.
• Battle of Cravant (1423): The English and their allies defeated a French and Scottish army.
• Battle of Verneuil (1424): This was another major English victory, sometimes called a "second Agincourt" because of how badly the French and Scottish forces were defeated.

Joan of Arc's Impact (1428–1430)

A young French peasant girl named Joan of Arc changed the course of the war.

The Siege of Orléans and Beyond

• Siege of Orléans (1428–1429): English forces had been besieging the city of Orléans for months. Joan of Arc arrived with a French relief army. Her arrival boosted French morale, and the English were forced to leave. This was a turning point in the war for France.
• Battle of Jargeau (1429): After Orléans, Joan of Arc led French forces to recapture other towns along the Loire River. The French won, and the English suffered heavy losses.
• Battle of Patay (1429): A French army, with Joan of Arc, completely defeated the English archers and then chased down the rest of the English army. Many English soldiers were killed or captured.
• Siege of Compiègne (1430): During this siege, Joan of Arc was captured by Burgundian soldiers (who were allied with England). Her capture was a sad moment for the French, but her earlier victories had already inspired them greatly.

The Final Years and French Victory (1435–1453)

After Joan of Arc's influence, France slowly gained the upper hand, pushing the English out.

French Advances

• Battle of Gerberoy (1435): French forces defeated an English army.
• Battle of Rouen (1449): The French recaptured the important city of Rouen from the English.
• Battle of Formigny (1450): A French army decisively defeated an English force. Many English soldiers were killed or captured.

The End of the War

• Battle of Castillon (1453): This was the very last battle of the Hundred Years' War. A French army used cannons very effectively to defeat the English. The English commander, John Talbot, was killed. This battle marked the end of the long conflict, with France winning and pushing England almost entirely out of French territory.

The Hundred Years' War was a long and difficult period for both England and France, but it also shaped their future as nations.