Ponthieu facts for kids
Ponthieu was an old region, like a small country, in northern France. Its main town was Abbeville. It was located around the mouth of the Somme River. This area included smaller towns like Crecy-en-Ponthieu, Nouvion-en-Ponthieu, and Ailly-le-Haut-Bell.
History
Norman Conquest of England
Ponthieu played a small part in the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. In 1064, Harold Godwinson, an important English leader, was blown ashore in Ponthieu by a storm. He was captured by the men of Guy I, who was the Count of Ponthieu. Harold was held at the castle of Beaurain.
William II, Duke of Normandy, who later became King of England, thought Harold could be useful to him. So, William helped Harold get released. William then took Harold to Rouen and gave him many gifts. William also made Harold promise to support his claim to the English throne. Harold also promised to become William's vassal, meaning he would serve William.
However, about a year after Harold returned to England, King Edward the Confessor died. Harold quickly forgot his promises and took the crown for himself, becoming King of England. That same year, Harold was killed at the Battle of Hastings. After this battle, William became King of England.
In 1150, the Count of Ponthieu built a strong fortress at Crotoy. This was a very important spot at the mouth of the Somme River.
The Hundred Years' War
During the Hundred Years' War, Ponthieu was fought over many times. The English claimed control of it from 1279 to 1369, and again until 1435. When the English controlled Ponthieu, Abbeville was used as their main city, or capital.
In August 1346, Edward III of England and his army reached the Ponthieu region. While there, he rebuilt the fortress at Crotoy. He also forced his way across the Somme River at a shallow crossing called Blanchetaque. The French army, led by Philip VI of France, caught up with him nearby at Crécy-en-Ponthieu. This led to the famous Battle of Crécy, a major battle in the war.
In 1360, the Treaty of Bretigny was signed between King John II of France and Edward III of England. This treaty gave control of Ponthieu, along with other lands like Gascony and Calais, to the English. In return, Edward was supposed to give up his claim to the French throne. Edward took the land but still refused to give up his claim to be King of France.
In April 1369, Charles V of France took back Ponthieu. A month later, he declared war on England again. Because of this, Edward publicly took back his title of 'King of France' in June.
In 1372, an English army led by Robert Knolles attacked Ponthieu. They burned the city of Le Crotoy before crossing the Somme River at Blanchetaque.
In the Treaty of Arras in 1435, Charles VII of France convinced Philip the Good, who was the Duke of Burgundy, to break his agreement with the English. In return, Charles gave Philip Ponthieu. This was a big turning point that helped end England's part in the war about 40 years later.
In 1477, King Louis XI of France took back Ponthieu for France.
In World War I, a very costly battle called the Battle of the Somme was fought in Ponthieu. This battle took place between July 1 and November 18, 1916. Over 1,000,000 soldiers were killed or wounded during this terrible battle.
