Welcome to a history of Europe Key Battles, the Battle of Cressy of 1346.

In the last episode I spoke of how King the Battle of Cressy of 1346.

In the last episode I spoke of how King Edward III of England initiated conflict with King Philip the Six of France, and I described the opening battle of the 100 years war, the Battle of Slouse in 1340, which was a resounding victory for the English.

After the Battle of Slouse, the character of Edward III's war effort changed. The King

dropped the old strategy, traditional since the time of King John, a reliance building in the

northwest of France, and invading from the southwest. Relying on paid allies had

proved expensive and ineffectual as they were only ever reliable while the cash was flowing.

Sir Edward instead concentrated efforts on his closer political allies on the continent, namely the

pro-English factions in Brittany and in Flanders.

As he departed the Isle of Wight with his army in 1346, Edward had a number of possible options open to him.

He could have landed in Flanders where since the Battle of Slouse the inhabitants had stayed loyal to the English,

or in Akritain where Henry of Lancaster was fighting

the cause against the French, or in Brittany to join the Montfort Allies. In all all of

these locations, friendly troops could have ensured an unopposed landing and a secure base from which to advance.

Instead, Edward chose Normandy, a region once part of his ancestors' unjuven empire, but now firmly in French control.

The decision had the advantage of taking the enemy by surprise. King Philip had expected the English to enter France via Aquitaine, and so he'd stationed most of his troops there.

Perhaps Edward may have also hoped to disperse French troops, yet more widely by opening up a new front.

Added to that, the fertile Norman country, with the harvest just in, would provide plenty of provisions.

Edward embarked upon a Chevalche, that is a mounted force, moving rapidly through enemy territory, doing as much damage as possible.

The purpose was partly to damage the local economy, and so reduced the amount of tax that could be levied.

But in addition, the terror it brought was intended to persuade the population to change their allegiance.

A crucial basis of any ruler's legitimacy was their ability to be able to defend and protect

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