Battle of Auray
Auray, Morbihan, Brittany, France
What happened
The Montfort side, led by John de Montfort with the English commander John Chandos, fought the Blois side, led by Charles of Blois with the French commander Bertrand du Guesclin. The battle began during Montfort's siege of Auray, when Charles of Blois attacked Montfort's army on higher ground. Montfort's reserves held the line, Charles of Blois fell, and du Guesclin surrendered to Chandos.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It effectively ended the Breton War of Succession, part of the Hundred Years' War. It decided who would rule Brittany.
What came next
In the first Treaty of Guérande in 1365, the French king recognised Montfort's son, John IV, as Duke of Brittany. John IV paid homage to the French king, not the English one.
Did you know?
Bertrand du Guesclin, captured at Auray, was later ransomed by King Charles V of France for 100,000 francs.
Timeline
- 29 September 1364The Montfort side wins at Auray.
- 1365The first Treaty of Guérande is signed.
- 3 December 1776Benjamin Franklin lands at Auray's port on his way to seek French help.