Key Facts
- Campaign start
- 28 October 1359 (landing at Calais)
- Peace preliminaries
- 8 May 1360, at Brétigny near Chartres
- Treaty ratified
- 9 October 1360, at Calais
- English objective
- Coronation of Edward III as King of France at Reims
- Duration
- Approx. 11 months (Oct 1359 – Sep 1360)
Strategic Narrative Overview
Edward landed at Calais on 28 October 1359 and advanced toward Reims, the traditional coronation city of French kings, intending to be crowned there. The city's defenders mounted determined resistance and denied him entry. Frustrated, Edward led his army into Burgundy before turning toward Paris. His assault on the capital also failed, leaving England without a decisive military victory.
01 / The Origins
Following prolonged conflict during the Hundred Years' War, England and France negotiated the Treaty of London, which would have imposed severe terms on France. The French de facto government rejected these terms, leaving Edward III without the diplomatic gains he sought. Determined to enforce his claim to the French throne by military means, Edward organised a major expeditionary force and crossed the Channel in late October 1359.
03 / The Outcome
Unable to take either Reims or Paris, Edward agreed to preliminary peace terms on 8 May 1360 at Brétigny. The resulting Treaty of Brétigny, less harsh to France than the rejected Treaty of London, was formally ratified at Calais on 9 October 1360. Edward renounced his claim to the French crown in exchange for Aquitaine and other French territories held in full sovereignty.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Edward III of England.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.