The Battle of Patay took place on June 18, 1429, in the Loiret department. England and France clashed to gain strategic control of fiefs and territories around the Loire River during the ongoing Hundred Years’ War. Before the Loire Valley campaign, the balance of power favored the Kingdom of England. However, Joan of Arc‘s (French: Jeanne d’Arc) previous victories provided a significant advantage to the French in approaching this pitched battle.
During the engagement, the French decisively defeated the English. The confrontation was swift, with French cavalry routing the enemy infantry and massacring the archers. This victory was unquestionably in favor of the Kingdom of France and marked a turning point in the course of the Hundred Years’ War. Subsequently, France gradually reclaimed its territories, ultimately winning a conflict that had persisted for over 116 years.
—>The Battle of Patay had a significant impact on the Hundred Years’ War as it marked the decline of English fortunes in the conflict. The victory strengthened the French position and paved the way for further successes.
What Was the Background to the Battle of Patay?
The Battle of Patay took place in the eponymous commune, not far from Orléans, on June 18, 1429. It was a confrontation between the kingdoms of France and England during the later years of the Hundred Years’ War that began in 1337. At the time of the conflict, England held a significant portion of northern France, and their objective was to cross the Loire River to attack the south. Control of the bridges spanning the river was at stake.
On the other side, Charles VII was in a precarious position until the timely arrival of Joan of Arc in 1429. The Battle of Patay is the fifth act of the Loire Valley campaign. Unexpectedly, French forces secured the Siege of Orléans (1428–1429), the Battle of Jargeau (June 12, 1429), the Battle of Meung-sur-Loire (June 15, 1429), and the Battle of Beaugency (June 16 and 17, 1429). This reversal of fortune caught the English off guard.
Unlike previous skirmishes between the French and English along the Loire, the Battle of Patay involved a set-piece battle. In other words, both camps intentionally chose the location of the confrontation. Additionally, the belligerents had the option to retreat or disengage if the balance of power turned against them.
How Did the Battle of Patay Unfold?
During the Battle of Patay, there were approximately 5,000 men on the side of the Kingdom of England. The French army consisted of 180 knights and 1,400 men-at-arms. The numerical advantage was on the Saxon side. Additionally, English archers were renowned for their skill with the longbow, exhibiting precision over long distances and weakening enemy ranks before infantry engagement.
However, the French were well aware of English maneuvers. With the arrival of Joan of Arc, new military strategies were implemented. The French knights executed a swift charge on the English archers, catching them off guard without sufficient time to protect their position. The surprise was total, leading to a portion of the British troops fleeing the battle.
During the Battle of Patay, Jean Dagneau took John Talbot, a key figure in the English army, as a prisoner. Meanwhile, French reinforcements arrived on the battlefield and eliminated the surviving English soldiers. It is noteworthy that the English vanguard did not have the opportunity to intervene, as believing themselves to be defeated, they retreated.
Among the protagonists in the Battle of Patay, notable figures from the English side include John Talbot, Earl, and Baron, accompanied by knights John Fastolf and Thomas de Scales. On the French side, there were marshals Jean Poton de Xaintrailles and Jean de Brosse, as well as Etienne de Vignolles, Ambroise de Loré, and Arthur de Richemont—all comrades-in-arms of Joan of Arc.
—>The Battle of Patay unfolded with a surprise attack by the French forces on the English camp. The French exploited the element of surprise and attacked the disorganized English army, achieving a swift and decisive victory.
Who Won the Battle of Patay?
Following the Battle of Patay, the French army emerged victorious with minimal losses. The French casualties were insignificant, whereas the English forces suffered approximately 2,500 fatalities, injuries, and war prisoners. This constitutes half of the deployed forces in the engagement. Notably, the English archers bear the brunt of the losses, and this elite unit would not be reinstated.
Numerous officers, including John Talbot, are captured, while others, like John Fastolf, choose to flee. Fastolf’s shameful retreat leads to his degradation. Joan of Arc did not directly participate in the Battle of Patay. However, her presence in previous conflicts and tactical counsel likely played a pivotal role in boosting morale among the troops and securing this swift victory.
As For the Consequences of the Battle of Patay
Following the battle, French troops advanced eastward. Troyes surrendered after a few days of siege. Charles VII was crowned King of France in Reims on July 17, 1429, legitimizing his claim to the French throne. The French now controlled the Loire Valley, the eastern part of the country, and the northern region of Paris. This marked a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War, shifting the balance of power and territorial conquest in favor of the French.
Subsequently, the Kingdom of England faced a series of defeats against France. Charles VII took the offensive, while his enemy adopted a defensive strategy. Most conflicts after the Battle of Patay involved sieges where England gradually lost its strongholds. Notable events include the capture of Bordeaux from August to October 1453 and the Battle of Castillon on July 17, 1453, where John Talbot perished.
From a military perspective, this final battle marks the end of the Hundred Years’ War. The English now only hold Calais. About twenty years later, around 1475, the King of England, Edward IV, harbors new ambitions for conquest. However, he must reluctantly negotiate with Louis XI. During their exchange, the two kings signed the Treaty of Picquigny on August 29, 1475, conclusively ending the Hundred Years’ War.
