The Battle of Crécy was fought on 26 August 1346 during the Hundred Years' War between the forces of the Kingdom of England, led by King Edward III, and the Kingdom of France, commanded by King Philip VI. This battle is significant for several reasons, including the use of the longbow by the English, which played a decisive role in the outcome.
The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts from 1337 to 1453 between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, primarily over claims to the French throne. In 1346, Edward III launched a campaign into France, known as the Crécy campaign, aiming to assert his claim to the French crown. After capturing Caen, Edward's army marched north, pillaging and burning towns, eventually reaching the area near Crécy-en-Ponthieu.
The Battle of Crécy demonstrated the effectiveness of the longbow against armored knights, marking a shift in medieval warfare. It also highlighted the importance of discipline and the use of combined arms tactics. The English victory at Crécy, along with subsequent battles like Poitiers, helped to solidify English control over parts of France, particularly Aquitaine, for a time.
Following the battle, Edward III continued his campaign, culminating in the Siege of Calais in 1347. The victory at Crécy boosted English morale and prestige, although it did not immediately end the war. The Hundred Years' War continued with intermittent fighting, culminating in the final English defeat at Castillon in 1453.