The Black Prince at Crecy

The French advanced in a disorganized manner, their crossbowmen no match for the English archers. Even the charging French knights couldn't penetrate the two front lines of the dismounted men-at-arms. Each new advancing contingent of became entangled in their own forces already at battle, and were exposed at close range to the arrows of Edward's longbowmen.

As soon as the French came within range, the English archers shot them down, without regard to rank. Kings, princes, dukes, knights and peasants were all equal, and the longbow made short work of them. Chroniclers estimated that a total of half-a-million arrows were fired by the English during the course of the battle. At times the fighting did grow intense, and there were moments of real danger for the fledgling Prince of Wales. At one point, when the Prince's forces found themselves surrounded, one of his deputies panicked and sent a message to the king for assistance.

The story has it that King Edward replied, 'Is my son dead, unhorsed, or so badly wounded he cannot support himself? Return back to those that sent you, and tell them from me, not to send again for me this day, except that I shall come, let what will happen, as long as my son has life. And say that I command them to let the boy win his spurs; for I am determined, if it please God, that all the glory and the honor of this day shall be given to him, and to those into whose care I have entrusted him.' Of course, his heir acquitted himself gloriously.

Though it probably didn't happen quite like that (I find it hard to imagine a fond father of Edward's type allowing his son to continue unaided if in mortal peril), the chivalric words of the king have a ring of authenticity to them. It is most likely that Edward III knew that his son was in good hands, and made the decision to let him 'win his spurs' for that very reason. In any event, the Black Prince proved his personal bravery many times on the field that day, and the legend was born.

The English repelled repeated attacks (the French knights made 16 distinct charges). Phillip VI finally admitted defeat and withdrew from the field. By midnight, the battle was over. At first, Edward didn't realize the extent of the victory, but by sunrise the following morning, it became

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