jul 9, 1436 - Burgundian Siege of Calais

Description:

In the Hundred Years War, the fortunes of England were intertwined with the success or failure of diplomatic policies’. When England had strong allies in Brittany and Burgundy, things were often in England’s favour as the French were fighting or wary on three fronts. When any of these alliances weakened, disintegrated, or one of the continental powers switched allegiance to side with the King of France, it was the English in France and Normandy who were on the defensive.

Burgundy was the most significant of the powers who allied with the English. The Duchy dominated the Low Countries and had been eager to restrict French influence in the region. This resulted in the Franco-Burgundian wars, which resulted in Burgundian forces capturing Joan of Arc.

In 1436, Philip the Good changed his policy. He quickly targeted English held Calais. Had Burgundy succeeded in taking Calais, English hopes of keeping possessions in France would have been shattered.

England reinforced the area via the sea, and after a short siege, the Burgundians withdrew. It reaffirmed the need to ensure diplomacy worked.

In the coming years, it served as a reminder to Council that continental powers could significantly impact English possessions on the continent. This also affected English domestic policy and tax revenues.

Anglo-Burgundian relations from this point onwards were fundamental to how the French Wars were conducted. The links with Burgundy went on to influence the Wars of the Roses, as did English retention of Calais.

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