Battle of Formigny
Formigny, Calvados, Normandy, France
What happened
A French army under Jean de Clermont, joined by a Breton force under Arthur de Richemont, fought an English army under Sir Thomas Kyriell. Near the end of the Hundred Years' War, an English army landed in Normandy to save the province. At Formigny, Clermont's attacks failed until he fired two small cannons, called culverins, at the English. English archers left their lines to capture the guns, and when Richemont's cavalry arrived on their flank, the English army was broken.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It destroyed the last English field army in Normandy, and France quickly recaptured the region. It is one of the first battles in Europe where field cannons were used.
What came next
The French took Caen in June and Cherbourg on 12 August 1450, ending English rule in Normandy.
Did you know?
The noise of the cannons may have helped Richemont find the battle in time.
Timeline
- 15 April 1450The French win at Formigny.
- 12 June 1450The French take Caen.
- 12 August 1450The French take Cherbourg.