Reims campaign facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reims campaign
Part of the Hundred Years' War
Edward III before Reims
Date 28 October 1359 – 8 May 1360 Location Champagne, Burgundy and Beauce 50°57′29″N 1°51′11″E / 50.9580°N 1.8530°E / 50.9580; 1.8530 Result French Victory English campaign frustrated Treaty of Brétigny
Belligerents
Kingdom of England	Kingdom of France
Commanders and leaders
Edward III Edward, the Black Prince Duke of Lancaster Earl of Warwick	Dauphin Charles

The Reims campaign was a major event during the Hundred Years' War. This long conflict was fought between England and France. The campaign happened after the French government refused a peace deal called the Treaty of London.

Because of this, Edward III of England decided to invade France. He wanted to win by force what he couldn't get through talking. Edward landed in Calais on October 28, 1359. He then marched his army towards Reims. He hoped to be crowned King of France there.

However, the people of Reims fought back very strongly. Edward's plan was stopped. He then moved his army into Burgundy and later headed towards Paris. He tried to attack the capital city but failed.

Finally, Edward agreed to a peace deal on May 8, 1360. This happened at Brétigny, near Chartres. This new agreement, the Treaty of Brétigny, was better for France than the earlier one. Edward and the French King John II officially signed it in Calais on October 9, 1360. Edward gave up his claim to the French throne. In return, he gained control of Aquitaine and other French lands as his own.

Why the Reims Campaign Started

After the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, the French King John II of France was captured. He became a prisoner of Edward III of England. John was taken to England.

The Treaty of London (1359)

In March 1359, a peace treaty was made. It was called the Treaty of London. King John, still a prisoner, agreed to give Edward a large part of southeastern France. This included lands from Poitou to Gascony. Edward would also get Calais, Guisnes, and Ponthieu. These areas would be fully under English rule.

King John also had to pay a huge ransom. It was four million crowns for himself and his lords. In return, Edward would give up his claim to the French crown. He would also give up lands north of the Loire River. These lands had once belonged to his ancestors.

France's Weak Position

France was in a very weak position. They had lost the Battle of Poitiers. Also, there had been peasant revolts, known as the Jacquerie. There was also a rebellion in Paris led by Etienne Marcel. These events made France even weaker.

However, Charles, who was ruling France while his father was captive, refused the treaty. The French assembly, called the Estates General, agreed with him. So, Edward III prepared for war again.

English Allies and Mercenaries

The people of Flanders, called the Flemings, had been allies with England. But they now sided with their own count. They forced English merchants out of their lands.

On the other hand, some military leaders joined Edward. These were men like Sir Robert Knolles. They led groups of soldiers called "free companies." These groups had been causing trouble in France. Many foreign lords and knights also came to Calais to fight for Edward. There were so many that Edward had to send some away. He sent Henry, Duke of Lancaster, to lead them on a raiding trip.

The Expedition to Reims

Edward III gathered a huge army. He made sure they had everything they needed for a long fight. He sailed from Sandwich on October 28, 1359. His army arrived in Calais the same day.

March to Reims

Some soldiers who had been on the raiding trip wanted to be paid. Edward told them he had no money for them. He said they could choose to serve him, and they would get a good share of any treasure found.

Edward marched his army through Artois and Cambresis. He headed for Reims. He planned to be crowned King of France there. On November 30, he began to surround the city.

Siege of Reims and Retreat

Charles, the French ruler, did not attack Edward's army directly. The city of Reims was very strong. Edward's soldiers suffered from bad weather and poor living conditions. So, on January 11, 1360, Edward gave up the siege.

He then led his army into Burgundy. They captured Tonnerre. His soldiers found three thousand barrels of wine there, which helped them recover. After a few days, they moved to Guillen. They stayed there until mid-Lent.

Moving Towards Paris

On March 10, Duke Philip of Burgundy paid Edward III a large sum of money. It was two hundred thousand gold coins called 'moutons'. After this, Edward marched his army towards Paris. He set up camp near Montlhéry and Châtres.

Edward tried to make Charles, the French ruler, come out and fight. But Charles did not. On April 6, Edward decided to march towards the Loire River. He planned to rest his men in Brittany and start fighting again later in the year.

Black Monday and Peace Talks

However, on April 13, 1360, a terrible hailstorm hit the English army. This day became known as Black Monday. Over 1,000 English soldiers died in the storm.

Meanwhile, on March 15, a French fleet attacked Winchelsea in England. They carried many soldiers who looted the town. Eventually, they were forced back to their ships.

These events made the French position stronger. Charles, the French ruler, now pushed for peace. Edward, the Black Prince, Edward III's son, played a key role for the English side in the talks. A temporary peace was agreed at Chartres on May 7. The final terms of the Treaty of Brétigny were agreed on May 8. This happened at Brétigny, near Chartres.

Aftermath of the Campaign

The Treaty of Brétigny changed a lot of things.

Terms of the Treaty

• The entire old region of Aquitaine was given to Edward.
• Edward also received Calais, Guisnes, and Ponthieu.
• Edward gave up his claim to the French crown.
• He also gave up his claim to lands north of the Loire River.
• He gave up his claim to be the overlord of Flanders.
• The question of who should rule Brittany was left undecided.
• The ransom for King John II was set at three million gold crowns.
• A part of the ransom was to be paid quickly.
• Hostages were to be given to England.
• After this, King John would be set free.

It is interesting to note that Geoffrey Chaucer, who later became a famous writer, was captured during this campaign. Edward III paid £16 to free him. The terms of this treaty were a bit better for the French than the earlier Treaty of London.

Edward's Return and Ratification

Edward gave thanks in the cathedral of Chartres. He then sailed from Honfleur and landed in Rye on May 18.

On October 9, Edward crossed back to Calais. On October 24, he officially approved the Treaty of Brétigny. This happened in the church of Saint-Nicolas. He received the first payment and the hostages. Then, he set King John II free. Edward even gave John the title of King of France. Edward returned to England in early November. He spent Christmas at Woodstock.