History Daily: "The Last English City in France" (January 7, 2026)

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This episode of History Daily, hosted by Lindsay Graham, recounts the dramatic story behind the fall of Calais on January 7, 1558—the last English-held city in France. Spanning two centuries of Anglo-French rivalry, the episode explores the city’s strategic importance, the sieges and battles that defined its fate, and the ultimate end of England’s medieval ambitions on French soil.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Fall of Calais (January 7, 1558)

• Dramatic Opening: The episode begins with a vivid reenactment of Lord Deputy Thomas Wentworth’s desperate defense as French forces breach the city walls.
  • “The attack that Thomas has long feared has finally come.” (01:08, Lindsay Graham)
• State of Calais: Calais’ fortifications are decayed and undermanned due to long-term English neglect.
  • “Thomas has tried to warn the English government that the port is vulnerable, but those messages have been ignored. Now it seems it’s too late.” (01:40)
• French Assault: French infantry surge through a gap in the walls as the English defense crumbles:
  • “For the first time in two centuries, the French are inside Calais.” (02:22)
• Historical Context: The fall marks the end of nearly 500 years of continuous English occupation on French soil—a legacy dating back to when English monarchs still spoke French.

2. How Did England Gain Calais? (1346–1347)

• Edward III’s Invasion: The episode flashes back to July 12, 1346, when Edward III invades France, claiming it as his own due to heritage and dynastic disputes.
  • “Edward III of England stares over the prow of his ship… It’s France, a kingdom Edward claims as his own.” (07:16)
• Sack of Caen: Edward unleashes destruction: burning crops, villages, killing thousands in Caen.
• Battle of Crécy (August 1346): English longbowmen rout the French, inflicting heavy losses (4,000 French to fewer than 300 English).
• Siege of Calais: English besiege the city, eventually starving it into surrender.
  • “When the victorious King Edward marches into the town, he drives out the entire French population and seizes their possessions.” (10:47)
  • Calais is repopulated with English soldiers and settlers, becoming a vital military and economic hub for centuries.

3. French Recapture and End of English Ambitions in France

• Recapture by the French (1558): The narrative returns to the aftermath of the assault.
  • French general François de Lorraine receives the English surrender from Thomas Wentworth.
  • “Francois meets with the exhausted English commander… There, Thomas gives up his sword, indicating the town is now officially in French hands.” (14:45)
  • The English defenders are allowed to leave for England, signaling the end of English rule in France.
• Impact on England: News devastates Queen Mary I, who reportedly says, “When I am dead and cut open, they will find Calais inscribed on my heart.” (16:56)
• Elizabeth I’s Failed Attempts: Elizabeth sends English troops to capture Le Havre as leverage but fails to regain Calais.
  • “Elizabeth intends to use Le Havre as a bargaining chip to regain control of Calais. Elizabeth’s plan is quickly foiled…” (17:42)
  • After a failed expedition and peace treaty, England formally relinquishes claims to all French territory.

4. The Treaty of Troyes (1564)

• Final Renunciation: Elizabeth I signs the Treaty of Troyes, accepting French control of Calais in exchange for financial compensation.
  • “Elizabeth scratches her name at the bottom of the document... Elizabeth still can’t help feeling stung by the humiliation of having to officially give up Calais.” (20:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The fall of Calais will end the English occupation of French soil that dates back almost 500 years.” (02:25, Lindsay Graham)
• “When the victorious King Edward marches into the town, he drives out the entire French population and seizes their possessions. But the prize he's won is far greater than plunder alone.” (10:47)
• “Mary dies, allegedly exclaiming on her deathbed, ‘When I am dead and cut open, they will find Calais inscribed on my heart.’” (16:56)
• “Calais belongs to France, and it always will.” (19:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:08–04:42: Dramatic account of Calais’ fall, the city’s vulnerability, and the French breaching the walls.
• 07:13–12:19: Anglo-French rivalry, Edward III’s campaigns, Battle of Crécy, and the initial English capture of Calais.
• 13:59–18:26: French recapture, Queen Mary’s grief, Elizabeth’s failed attempt to regain Calais, end of England’s territorial presence in France.
• 20:06–end: Elizabeth I signs the Treaty of Troyes, formalizing English renunciation of Calais.

Conclusion

The episode provides a sweeping yet vivid retelling of the centuries-long contest for Calais, illustrating how the conquest and loss of a single city echoed through the fates of monarchs, altered economic realities, and ultimately ended England’s medieval dream of dominion in France. Lindsay Graham’s narration underscores the sense of loss, pride, and the passage of an era as Calais changes hands for the last time.

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