Siege of Calais (1436) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Siege of Calais |
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| Part of Hundred Years' War (last phase) | |||||||
.jpg) Siege of Calais (illustration from Vigiles de Charles VII) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of England |
 Burgundian State |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
.svg){kind=small} Edmund Beaufort Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester (relief) |
Philip the Good Jean II de Croÿ John of Horne |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 2,000 (garrison) 10,000 (relief) |
30,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown | unknown | ||||||
The Siege of Calais in 1436 was a major event during the Hundred Years' War. It was an attempt by Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy, to take control of the important English-held city of Calais. However, the siege failed, and Calais remained under English control.
Why the Siege Happened
Allies Become Enemies
For many years, England and Burgundy were allies. They fought together against France in the long-running Hundred Years' War. This alliance had been strong since 1419.
A Change of Sides
In 1435, there were peace talks at a meeting called the Congress of Arras. The English leaders left these talks. But the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, stayed. He decided to make a peace deal with the French King, Charles VII.
This agreement, known as the Treaty of Arras, was signed on September 21, 1435. By signing it, the Duke of Burgundy switched sides in the war. He became an ally of France and an enemy of England.
English Anger and Revenge
The English were very angry about this change. People in London were even allowed to attack and rob merchants from Flanders, the Netherlands, and Picardy. These areas were all under the Duke of Burgundy's rule.
English soldiers also invaded the Duke's lands. About 2,000 English troops defeated 1,500 Flemish soldiers in a region called the Boulonnais. This showed how upset England was.
Burgundy Declares War
Philip the Good responded by officially declaring war on England. The cities in Flanders supported him. They were worried about their trade with England, which was now in danger. They saw Calais as a key target.
The Siege of Calais
Capturing Smaller Forts
The Duke of Burgundy decided to attack Calais first. Before reaching Calais, his forces captured smaller English strongholds. These included Oye castle, Sangatte, and Balinghem. At Oye castle, some of the English defenders were hanged.
The Attack on Calais Begins
In June 1436, the Duke began the main siege of Calais. He had a very large army, about 30,000 men. Many of these soldiers were militia from Flanders and Picardy. The Flemish cities especially wanted to deal with the English trading post in Calais, known as the Calais Staple.
The Duke also sent a separate force to attack Guînes, another English-held town nearby. This force was led by Jean II de Croÿ.
A Strong Defense
The militia were very eager to capture Calais quickly. However, the city was well-defended. Edmund Beaufort, the English commander, had made sure Calais had enough supplies and strong defenses.
After a few weeks, it became clear that taking the city would be difficult. The initial excitement of the Flemish army started to fade.
Failure to Block the Harbor
An important part of the siege was trying to block Calais's harbor. Admiral John of Horne led a fleet that tried to sink several ships filled with stones in the harbor. This would have stopped supplies from reaching Calais by sea.
However, this attempt failed. The harbor remained open, allowing the English to receive supplies and reinforcements. After this failure, the Flemish army began to break apart.
English Relief Arrives
Meanwhile, a large English relief army was on its way. About 10,000 soldiers, led by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, approached Calais. When the Duke of Burgundy learned of this approaching army, he had no choice. He had to give up the sieges of both Calais and Guînes and withdraw his forces.
Aftermath
A Humiliating Defeat
The failed siege was a big embarrassment for Philip the Good. It showed that even with a large army, he could not take Calais.
Economic Troubles and Peace
After the siege, there were many small battles and English pirate attacks. These seriously harmed the economy of Flanders. However, the English economy also relied on trade with Flanders. Because of this, both sides eventually agreed to make peace in 1439.
Calais remained an important English possession for a long time. It stayed under English control until 1558.
See also
