Battle of Poitiers
Near Poitiers, France
What happened
Edward, the Black Prince, led an Anglo-Gascon army against King John II of France. The Black Prince's army raided deep into French lands, and King John II pursued with a much larger army. Near Poitiers the English and Gascons held a strong position behind a hedge and fought on foot, and they drove back the French attacks. A small mounted Anglo-Gascon force that had been sent to threaten the French rear then appeared behind the French lines, the French army panicked and collapsed, and King John was captured.
Why it matters
Result: English victory. Leaders: Edward, the Black Prince against John II. Why it matters: Capturing the king of France was a huge victory for England. France was thrown into turmoil, with revolts breaking out across the country.
What came next
John II was taken to London and held for ransom. In the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, France gave up large areas of land to England and agreed to a ransom of three million gold crowns.
Did you know?
When John's son Louis, a hostage in his place, broke his parole and left Calais in 1363, John was troubled by the dishonour of it.
Timeline
- 1355 CEThe Black Prince leads a mounted raid from Bordeaux to Narbonne.
- 19 September 1356 CEThe English and Gascons defeat the French at Poitiers and capture John II.
- 1360 CEThe Treaty of Brétigny sets John's ransom and gives land to England.
- 1363 CEJohn learns that his hostage son Louis has left Calais.
- 8 April 1364 CEJohn II dies.