The Siege Of Calais 1346-1347, Edward III And The Mercy of Queen Philippa

Following on from the success at the battle of Crecy, Edward III then laid siege to Calais. The siege dragged on, with Edward growing increasingly impatient and angry. The conditions inside Calais’ walls grew increasingly grim as men and women, young and old alike, had grown so weak from hunger that many were unable to stand. It was eventually agreed that 6 of Calais’ prominent citizens would go to the English king, barefoot, halters around their neck and with the keys to Calais in their hands. Despite this gesture of surrender, Edward remained angry at the losses that he had sustained and he was certainly inclined to have the six men executed. It was here that Queen Philippa intervened and begged for the men’s lives, throwing herself to her knees and weeping. A woman known for her gentleness and kindness held a certain influence over Edward and he released the men.

But was this story true? Well, it certainly contains one inaccuracy. The chronicler who relayed the tale stated that Philippa was heavily pregnant, which was not the case. However, Philippa certainly had a penchant for mercy and it would certainly be understandable if Edward was in an unforgiving mood. Sieges were brutal for both the besiegers and the besieged and its doubtful leniency was Edward’s first inclination. That’s not to say Edward was going to sack the place or that Philippa’s interventions had prevented a total bloodbath but I am tended to believe that the story is true, taking into account the odd inaccuracy in the telling of it.