Siege of Hennebont (1342) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Siege of Hennebont (1342) |
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| Part of the Breton War of Succession | |||||
 Siege of Hennebont. |
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 House of Montfort, Brittany.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of England |
House of Blois, Brittany.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of France |
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The Siege of Hennebont in 1342 was an important event during the Breton War of Succession. This war was a fight over who should rule the Duchy of Brittany. During the siege, the city of Hennebont was surrounded by forces loyal to Charles of Blois. Inside the city was Joanna of Flanders, who was waiting for help from England. The siege ended when English soldiers arrived in June 1342.
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What Was the Breton War of Succession?
The Breton War of Succession was a conflict that took place in the 14th century. It was part of the larger Hundred Years' War between England and France. The war in Brittany was about who would become the next Duke or Duchess of Brittany.
- On one side was Joanna of Flanders, who supported her husband, John of Montfort. They were backed by England.
- On the other side was Charles of Blois, who was married to Joanna's rival, Joan of Penthièvre. They had the support of France.
This war caused a lot of fighting and sieges across Brittany.
Joanna's Brave Stand in Hennebont
Joanna of Flanders was a very brave leader. She took shelter in the city of Hennebont because it was a strong place. She was waiting for help from her allies, especially soldiers from England.
The city was surrounded by the army of Charles of Blois. This meant no one could easily get in or out. Joanna knew she needed to act fast to get the help they needed.
Joanna's Clever Escape
Joanna came up with a smart plan to get out of the besieged city. She managed to sneak out and travel to Auray. Her goal was to find the reinforcements that were promised to her.
Her plan worked! She found the soldiers she needed. Five days later, she used another clever trick to get back into Hennebont with the reinforcements. This was a huge boost for the people defending the city.
The Arrival of English Reinforcements
Even with Joanna's brave actions, the siege of Hennebont continued. The forces of Charles of Blois kept the city surrounded. Everyone inside was hoping for the English army to arrive.
Finally, in June 1342, the English reinforcements reached Brittany. They sailed into the Blavet River, near what is now Port-Louis. Their arrival changed everything.
The Siege Is Lifted
When the English soldiers appeared, the army of Charles of Blois knew they could no longer hold the siege. They had to give up their attack on Hennebont. The siege was lifted, meaning it was over.
The besieging army then left Hennebont. They headed towards Auray to join Charles of Blois, who was busy besieging that city. The lifting of the Siege of Hennebont was a victory for Joanna of Flanders and her English allies.
Images for kids
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Siege of Hennebont.
