Key Facts
- Duration
- ~5 weeks (26 Sep – 8 Oct 1339)
- French garrison artillery
- 10 guns (5 iron, 5 other metals)
- French garrison size
- 300 men-at-arms
- Siege abandoned
- 8 October 1339
- Context
- Early stage of the Hundred Years' War
Strategic Narrative Overview
Edward launched repeated assaults beginning 26 September 1339. The city's defence was commanded by governor Étienne de la Baume and supported by a French garrison equipped with ten artillery pieces, constituting one of the earliest documented uses of cannon in siege warfare. The garrison repelled every English attack for five weeks, holding out until the political and military situation shifted against Edward.
01 / The Origins
Edward III of England had been on the continent since July 1338, asserting his claim to the French throne and defying Philip VI. In 1339, Cambrai—a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire—became a flashpoint between pro-imperial and pro-French factions. To satisfy his Bavarian allies, Edward sought to seize the city, but its bishop, following Philip VI's instructions, declared allegiance to France and prepared to resist.
03 / The Outcome
On 6 October, Edward learned that Philip VI was approaching with a large French army. He lifted the siege on 8 October, retreating across Picardy and devastating the Cambresis plains. A garrison was left at Thun-l'Eveque. On 23 October, English and French armies faced each other near La Capelle and Buironfosse but withdrew without battle, leaving the strategic situation unresolved.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Edward III of England.
Side B
1 belligerent
Étienne de la Baume, Guillaume d'Auxonne (Bishop of Cambrai), Philip VI of France.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.