The Truce of Calais halted the Hundred Years' War in 1347, giving both England and France time to recover before the Black Death reshaped the conflict's trajectory.
Key Facts
- Signed
- 28 September 1347
- Initial expiry date
- 7 July 1348
- Mediated by
- Two cardinals acting for Pope Clement VI
- Final expiry date
- 24 June 1355
- Succeeded by
- Treaty of Guînes (6 April 1354)
- War ended by
- Treaty of Brétigny, 1360 (temporary halt)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Hundred Years' War, begun in 1337, had left both England and France financially and militarily exhausted. Edward III's forces had decisively defeated Philip VI at the Battle of Crécy in 1346 and then besieged Calais for eleven months until it fell, leaving neither kingdom capable of sustaining further major campaigning.
On 28 September 1347, King Edward III of England and King Philip VI of France signed the Truce of Calais outside the newly captured town of Calais. Brokered by two papal cardinals representing Pope Clement VI, the truce was intended to run until 7 July 1348, suspending active large-scale military operations between the two kingdoms.
The truce was repeatedly renewed through 1350, partly due to the devastation of the Black Death in both kingdoms. Fighting persisted in Gascony, Brittany, and at sea despite the truce. After Philip VI's death in 1350 and a brief resumption of hostilities, the truce eventually gave way to the Treaty of Guînes in 1354 before full war resumed in 1355.
Political Outcome
Temporary cessation of large-scale warfare between England and France, repeatedly renewed until final expiry in June 1355 when full hostilities resumed.
England in strong military ascendancy after Crécy and fall of Calais; France weakened and unable to field effective armies
Status quo temporarily frozen; Black Death further weakened both sides, delaying resolution of English territorial claims in France