The Battle of Poitiers (1356)

In 1356 the English had planned a double attack on France, led by Lancaster and the Black Prince. Lancaster moved south from Normandy with 2500 soldiers and success-fully raided and recaptured French territory. He was to meet the Black Prince in Brittany. Prince Edward had moved north from Gascony but could not cross the river Loire because of its high water and a bridge that had been destroyed. Edward tried to flee from the French army under King John but had to encounter him near Poitiers. The Prince even tried to negotiate a truce to avoid battle but was turned down.

The battle lasted rather long but was finally won by the English, due to the fact that one French battalion suddenly left the field, and that the English were better organized. They took many prisoners to gain profits through the payment of ransoms and even managed to capture the French King himself.