What was the Hundred Years’ War?
The Hundred Years’ War began in 1337 and continued for more than a century. It was not a single war, but rather a series of skirmishes between France and England. It began when the English tried to dominate France, and the French in turn tried to confiscate lands occupied by the English.
The English invaded France and won a great battle at Crecy. The British archers with their longbows defeated a much larger army of knights, marking the beginning of the end for mounted knights. Further battles followed, but in 1396 Richard II of England married the daughter of Charles VI of France, establishing a 20-year truce that finally ended the fighting.
Who was the Black Prince?
The Black Prince was Edward, the son of Edward III, whose quarrel with the French started the Hundred Years War. His name came from the black armour he wore in battle. The Black Prince won a major battle at Poitiers, in 1356, capturing the French king, John II. As a result of this, the English were able to negotiate their possession of large territories in France. They soon lost these again in further fighting and by the end of the Hundred Years War in 1453; they had lost all French territory except Calais.
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