Truce of Espléchin facts for kids

The Truce of Espléchin was an agreement made in 1340. It was a temporary stop to the fighting between England and France. This happened during the early part of the Hundred Years' War. It gave both sides a break from the battles.

Why the Truce Was Needed

The Hundred Years' War began in 1337. England and France were fighting over who should rule certain lands.

Early Battles

In 1338, the French navy defeated the English at the Battle of Arnemuiden. But Edward III of England wanted to keep fighting at sea. He joined forces with the Flemings, who were people from a region called Flanders.

On June 24, 1340, Edward's fleet met a large French and Genoese fleet. This was at a place called Sluys. The English won this big naval battle. Their Flemish allies helped them by watching from the shore. They stopped any French sailors from getting away.

Setbacks for England

After the victory at Sluys, Edward III tried to win more battles on land. But things did not go well for him.

At the Battle of Saint-Omer, the English and Flemish army lost badly. They were much larger than the French army. But the French still won.

Then, the English tried to take the town of Tournai. This was a long fight called a siege. The French soldiers inside Tournai were outnumbered. They also had less supplies. But the English and Flemings still could not defeat them. Edward knew the French were in a tough spot. He had even caught a French message. But his army still failed to take the town.

The Truce of Espléchin

After these losses at Saint-Omer and Tournai, Edward III could not keep fighting. His army was tired, and he was running out of money. His allies also started arguing. Even his own parliament would not give him more funds.

Making the Agreement

Pope Benedict XII wanted the fighting to stop. He asked Jeanne of Valois to help. She was Edward's mother-in-law. She was also the sister of the French king, Philip VI.

Both kings agreed to sign the Truce of Espléchin. This happened on September 25, 1340.

What the Truce Meant

Under the truce, England could not attack France for nine months. This period lasted until June 24, 1341. Edward also had to take his army back to England.

However, the peace did not last long. In 1341, a new fight started over who would rule Brittany. This was called the Breton War of Succession. Edward broke the truce by supporting one side. He backed John of Montfort. This made Philip VI of France support the other side, Charles of Blois. Edward used this as a reason to start fighting France again.