Battle of Castillon
Castillon-la-Bataille, Duchy of Gascony
What happened
John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, an old English general, led the English army against the French, whose artillery was laid out by Jean Bureau, King Charles VII's ordnance officer. After the French captured Bordeaux in 1451, its people asked for English help, and Talbot landed near Bordeaux in October 1452. When the French besieged Castillon, Talbot marched to help, while Bureau built a strong camp with up to 300 guns. A cloud of dust, which Talbot took for a French retreat, was really camp followers leaving. He attacked at once, the French guns broke his attack, and Talbot was lost in the battle.
Why it matters
Result: French victory End of the Hundred Years' War. Leaders: Jean Bureau / Peter II against John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury / John Talbot, Viscount Lisle. Why it matters: After the 1451 loss of Bordeaux the war seemed over, and in hindsight Castillon marks the end of the Hundred Years' War between England and France.
What came next
The French retook Bordeaux on 19 October 1453.
Did you know?
Talbot did not wear armour, because of an agreement with the French when he was released from captivity in Normandy.
Timeline
- 18 June 1429 CETalbot is captured at the Battle of Patay.
- 1451 CEThe French capture Bordeaux.
- October 1452 CETalbot lands near Bordeaux with 3,000 men.
- 17 July 1453 CEThe French defeat Talbot at Castillon.
- 19 October 1453 CEThe French retake Bordeaux.