On This Day

English forces under Edward the Black Prince defeat the French at the Battle of Poitiers and capture French King John II

English forces under Edward the Black Prince defeat the French at the Battle of Poitiers and capture French King John II during the Hundred Years' War

The Battle of Poitiers was fought on 19 September 1356 between a French army commanded by King John II and an Anglo-Gascon force under Edward, the Black Prince, during the Hundred Years' War. It took place in western France, 5 miles (8 km) south of Poitiers, when approximately 14,000 to 16,000 French attacked a strong defensive position held by 6,000 Anglo-Gascons.

Nineteen years after the start of the war, the Black Prince, eldest son and heir of the English King, set out on a major campaign in south-west France. His army marched from Bergerac to the River Loire, which they were unable to cross. John gathered a large and unusually mobile army and pursued Edward's forces.

Historical Significance

The Battle of Poitiers was fought on 19 September 1356 between a French army commanded by King John II and an Anglo-Gascon force under Edward, the Black Prince, during the Hundred Years' War.

Key People

Edward the Black Prince

Heir of the English throne

Heir of the English throne

Events Before

  1. Charles I of Bohemia is crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy

    Charles I of Bohemia is crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy

  2. The St. Scholastica's Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 62 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead in two days

    The St. Scholastica's Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 62 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead in two days

  3. 1,200 Jews of Toledo, Spain killed by Count Henry of Trastamara

    1,200 Jews of Toledo, Spain killed by Count Henry of Trastamara

  4. Tvrtko I writes in castro nostro Vizoka vocatum from old town Visoki

    Tvrtko I writes in castro nostro Vizoka vocatum from old town Visoki

  5. English invasion army under King Edward lands at Calais

    Edward of Woodstock (15 June 1330 – 8 June 1376), known as the Black Prince, was the eldest son and heir apparent of King Edward III of England.

Events After

  1. Peace of Ath signed (in modern Belgium), settles Brabant succession

    Peace of Ath signed (in modern Belgium), settles Brabant succession

  2. The "Peace of Ath", signed by Count Louis II of Flanders and Duke Wenceslaus of Luxembourg ends the attempt of the succe

    The "Peace of Ath", signed by Count Louis II of Flanders and Duke Wenceslaus of Luxembourg ends the attempt of the succession of Brabant

  3. Charles IV, Holy Roman emperor, assists laying the foundation stone of Charles Bridge in Prague

    Charles IV, Holy Roman emperor, assists laying the foundation stone of Charles Bridge in Prague

  4. Charles IV issues letter of protection of Jews of Strasbourg Alsace

    Charles IV issues letter of protection of Jews of Strasbourg Alsace

  5. John I of Portugal is born

    John I of Portugal is born

More from the 1350s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 19, 1356?
The Battle of Poitiers was fought on 19 September 1356 between a French army commanded by King John II and an Anglo-Gascon force under Edward, the Black Prince, during the Hundred Years' War. It took place in western France, 5 miles (8 km) south of Poitiers, when approximately 14,000 to 16,000 French attacked a strong defensive position held by 6,000 Anglo-Gascons. Nineteen years after the start of the war, the Black Prince, eldest son and heir of the English King, set out on a major campaign in south-west France.
Why is English forces under Edward the Black Prince defeat the French at the Battle ... significant?
The Battle of Poitiers was fought on 19 September 1356 between a French army commanded by King John II and an Anglo-Gascon force under Edward, the Black Prince, during the Hundred Years' War.
Who was involved in English forces under Edward the Black Prince defeat the French at the Battle ...?
Key figures include Edward the Black Prince (Heir of the English throne).

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