THE FRENCH

KING PHILIP VI

Philip VI only just escaped the Battle of Crécy with his life as he was badly wounded. As if defeats to the English at Crécy and Sluys weren’t enough to destabilise his reign, the onset of the Black Death in France wreaked more havoc and made matters even worse in the years that followed.

COUNT OF ALENÇON

Charles II of Alençon was Philip VI’S brother and lead the men-at-arms who on their own nearly outnumbered the English army in total. His progress was hampered again and again by fleeing and disorganised fighters between his men and the English ranks. He ultimately died in the crush.

KING JOHN OF BOHEMIA

Also known as John the Blind (losing his sight around 1336), he was also the king of Poland from 1310 and count of Luxembourg from 1313. He died at Crécy having lead a cavalry charge into the English lines. Being blind he had been tied to his men, also on horseback, to guide him.