A small English fleet relieved the siege of Brest in 1342, preserving the Montfortist cause in the Breton Civil War through a decisive naval action.
Key Facts
- English ships
- 260 ships
- English fighting men
- 1,350 men
- Genoese galleys blockading
- 14 galleys
- Galleys burned
- 11 galleys
- English commander
- William of Northampton
- English held Brest until
- 1362
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After John III of Brittany died childless in 1341, the succession was disputed between Charles of Blois, backed by the French crown, and John of Montfort. Charles captured John and drove Montfortist forces back until, by July 1342, his army had besieged Joanna of Flanders in Brest—the last Montfortist stronghold—while 14 Genoese mercenary galleys blockaded the town from the sea.
On 18 August 1342, an English fleet of 260 ships under William of Northampton sailed into the Brest Roads, overwhelmed the Genoese blockade, and burned 11 of the 14 galleys. Although the English landed only 1,350 fighting men, the sight of so many vessels and troops disembarking led Charles of Blois to overestimate the threat.
Charles promptly lifted the siege and abandoned western Brittany. The English reinforced their garrison over the following two months and held Brest until 1362. The relief prolonged Montfortist resistance, and the Breton Civil War continued until 1365, ending within the broader context of the Hundred Years' War, which lasted until 1453.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
William of Northampton, Joanna of Flanders.
Side B
1 belligerent
Charles of Blois.