A minor English victory during the French invasion of the Isle of Wight that helped prevent French forces from advancing across the island.
Key Facts
- Date (approximate)
- Late July 1545; possibly 21 July
- French force size
- Approximately 500 soldiers
- English force size (disputed)
- 300 to 2,800 militiamen
- English commander
- Captain Robert Fyssher
- French commander
- Le Seigneur de Tais
- Wider conflict
- Italian War of 1542–1546
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
France launched an invasion of the Isle of Wight in 1545 as part of the Italian War of 1542–1546, intending to inflict sufficient damage on English coastal defenses to draw the English fleet from its defensive positions into less favorable open engagement. French forces made multiple landings at locations including Sandown, Bembridge, St Helens, and Bonchurch.
At Bonchurch, a French regular force of approximately 500 soldiers landed and engaged local English militiamen commanded by Captain Robert Fyssher. Despite the French numerical advantage, the majority of historical accounts record an English victory. The French advance inland was halted, though one source disputes this outcome and credits the French.
The French failed to achieve their strategic objective of forcing the English fleet out of its defensive positions and were compelled to withdraw from the Isle of Wight. The battle at Bonchurch was one of several engagements that collectively denied France the foothold it sought on the island during the campaign.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Captain Robert Fyssher.
Side B
1 belligerent
Le Seigneur de Tais.