History Daily The Last English City in France
Jan 7, 2025
Dive into the dramatic events of January 7, 1558, when Calais fell to French forces after two centuries of English control. Witness the chaos experienced by Lord Deputy Thomas Wentworth amid the siege. Reflect on King Edward III's brutal conquest tactics and the enduring impact of Calais as a crucial English port. Explore the political repercussions of surrender, especially Queen Elizabeth's difficult choice to sign the Treaty of Troyes, balancing financial gain against personal loss.
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Edward III's Invasion of France
- In 1346, King Edward III of England invaded France, claiming the throne through his French mother.
- Edward's forces pillaged Caen, killing civilians and burning ships, before winning the Battle of Crécy.
The Siege of Calais (1346-1347)
- Edward III besieged Calais for over a year, cutting off supplies until it surrendered in 1347.
- He expelled the French population, replacing them with English settlers, making Calais a key strategic port.
The Recapture of Calais (1558)
- In 1558, French General François de Lorraine led a surprise attack on Calais, breaching its neglected defenses.
- English commander Thomas Wentworth surrendered, ending over two centuries of English rule.