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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Quick takeaways
- The fall of Calais on January 7, 1558, marked the end of nearly 200 years of English control in France, reflecting military failures and complacency.
- Despite efforts from Queen Mary I and later Elizabeth I, the enduring loss of Calais symbolized a significant shift in Anglo-French relations.
Deep dives
The Siege and Fall of Calais
The early morning of January 7, 1558, marked a pivotal moment in history as the French army launched a surprise attack to reclaim Calais from English control. Thomas Wentworth, the Lord Deputy of Calais, faced a dire situation with poorly maintained defenses and a severely undermanned garrison. Despite his efforts to rally able-bodied townsmen to defend the city, he was met with panic and chaos as terrified civilians fled. As French forces breached the city walls, the fall of Calais signified the end of English occupation in France that had lasted for nearly 200 years.
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