This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Season 6, Episode 5: The Battle of Crecy
Host: Dan Jones, Sony Music Entertainment
Release Date: December 24, 2024

Introduction

In Season 6 of "A Dynasty to Die For," historian Dan Jones delves into one of medieval Europe's most tumultuous conflicts: the Battle of Crecy. This episode unravels the complex interplay of power, ambition, and strategy that defined the Plantagenet dynasty's struggle for dominance during the Hundred Years’ War.

Normandy Landings: The Beginning of the Conflagration

The episode opens on the cold dawn of July 12, 1346, as King Edward III leads 15,000 English and Welsh troops to storm the beaches of Normandy. The landing at St. Vallaug marks the commencement of a bold campaign against French King Philip VI.

Dan Jones [03:15]: “Edward’s landing was not just a military maneuver; it was a declaration of war to the French crown.”

Despite a rough landing plagued by a sinking boat and a public stumble by Edward III himself, the English forces quickly establish their foothold on the sandy shores. Edward’s resilience is on full display when he overcomes his fall, turning potential embarrassment into a symbol of divine favor.

Edward III [05:42]: “Look, you see how much this land wants me.”

The Chevaucher: English Shock Tactics

Once ashore, Edward employs the Chevaucher tactic— a ruthless strategy designed to devastate the countryside. This method involves English troops spreading wide to destroy, plunder, and terrorize French settlements, aiming to dismantle King Philip’s support base and crush the morale of the local populace.

Dan Jones [12:30]: “The Chevaucher wasn’t about chivalry; it was a calculated campaign of terror meant to force submission through fear.”

The English sack towns like Barfleur, Valognes, and Saint Lo, leaving a trail of destruction that erodes French resistance and showcases the effectiveness of Edward’s brutal approach.

Philip VI’s Indecisive Strategy

As Edward’s forces wreak havoc, Philip VI grapples with his strategic responses. Unlike the decisive and swift actions of Edward, Philip's approach is marked by hesitation and overcomplication. His reliance on a Fabian strategy—holding back and waiting out the enemy—proves ineffective against Edward’s aggressive maneuvers.

Dan Jones [18:55]: “Philip’s dithering was his greatest flaw. While Edward seized opportunities, Philip hesitated, allowing the English to gain the upper hand.”

Philip’s delayed reactions enable Edward to advance toward Paris, but Philip is not entirely incapacitated. He eventually mobilizes a larger army, setting the stage for a direct confrontation at Crecy.

Crossing the River Seine: A Risky Maneuver

With the River Seine as a formidable barrier, Edward’s army faces logistical challenges. The ingenious yet precarious construction of makeshift wooden bridges by William de Boone, Earl of Northampton, allows the English to maintain their momentum.

William de Boone [22:10]: “Every footstep was a gamble—one misstep could spell disaster for us all.”

John de Boone’s successful crossing under immense pressure exemplifies the English army's determination and tactical ingenuity, paving their path toward Paris.

The Pursuit: Philip’s Counterattack

As summer progresses, Philip VI rallies a diverse coalition, including fierce Genoese crossbowmen and allied German troops. His army, twice the size of Edward’s, advances with the intent to encircle and annihilate the English forces.

Dan Jones [25:45]: “The French believed their numerical superiority would crush the English, but they underestimated the resolve and discipline of Edward’s men.”

This pursuit leads both armies toward the historic battlefield of Crecy in Picardy, setting the stage for a clash that would redefine medieval warfare.

The Battle of Crecy: Tactics and Triumph

On August 26, 1346, the Battle of Crecy unfolds with dramatic intensity. Edward III positions his forces defensively behind a makeshift barricade of carts and wagons, channeling the advancing French troops into a killing zone.

Dan Jones [31:20]: “Edward’s defensive formation was revolutionary, turning the English archers into an unstoppable force.”

The French, confident in their heavy cavalry and superior numbers, launch relentless attacks. However, the English longbowmen decimate the Italian crossbowmen, creating chaos and disarray within the French ranks.

French Chronicler [35:05]: “It looked like a catastrophe because it is a catastrophe.”

Despite overwhelming odds, the disciplined English troops hold their ground, repelling wave after wave of French assaults. The superior range and rate of fire of the longbows prove decisive, leading to a stunning English victory.

The Black Prince’s Ordeal and Rescue

Central to the battle’s drama is the young Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince, who finds himself in grave danger amidst the fray. As his banner falls, signaling his peril, King Edward III faces a critical decision.

King Edward III [41:30]: “Let him win his spurs.”

Instead of leaving his son to fend for himself, Edward orders a daring rescue, reinforcing the English lines and saving the Black Prince from potential capture or death. This act not only preserves the Prince’s life but also bolsters the morale of the entire English army.

Dan Jones [43:50]: “The Black Prince’s survival was a turning point, ensuring that the English forces remained united and resolute.”

Aftermath of Crecy: A Pyrrhic Victory

The Battle of Crecy leaves King Philip VI’s army decimated, both in manpower and prestige. With thousands slain and key nobles lost, Philip is forced into a retreat, marking a significant triumph for Edward III and the Plantagenet dynasty.

Dan Jones [48:10]: “Crecy was not just a battle; it was a demonstration of English military prowess that would shape future conflicts for generations.”

Edward III stands poised to capitalize on this victory, eyeing the next strategic target: the fortified city of Calais. The campaign’s success, however, comes with the looming threat of further challenges, including the impending arrival of the Black Death.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

As the dust settles on Crecy, Edward III contemplates his next move, setting his sights on the impregnable city of Calais. The episode concludes with a hint of the horrors to come, including the devastating impact of the Black Death, promising listeners an even more intense continuation in the next installment.

Dan Jones [52:35]: “The victory at Crecy was just the beginning. The road ahead for Edward and his men was fraught with unprecedented challenges that would test the very fabric of the Plantagenet dynasty.”

Closing Thoughts

Dan Jones masterfully intertwines narrative storytelling with insightful analysis, bringing to life the drama and complexity of medieval warfare and the enduring legacy of the Plantagenet dynasty. "The Battle of Crecy" serves as a pivotal chapter in understanding how power, strategy, and individual valor shaped the course of European history.

Stay Tuned:
Next week, the saga continues with the Siege of Calais, where Edward III and his forces face their most daunting challenge yet. Subscribe to "This is History" at ThisIsHistoryPod.com or on Apple Podcasts to receive early access to the next episode.