The Bloody Medieval Invasion of France | Battle of Crecy 1346

On 12th July 1346, a huge English invasion fleet landed on the shores of Normandy. The King of England was here to claim the throne of France for himself.

Historian Dan Jones sets out on a journey across Northern France, following in the footsteps of Edward III and his English army on their Crécy Campaign - one of the earliest and bloodiest raids of the Hundred Years' War.

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[nishgriff]

This channel is apparently what I've wanted since I was a kid. Real history docs of higher quality than the history channel used to have before it became the ancient aliens channel. Great work, how does it only have 1m subscribers? The quality is amazing. Thanks!

[brettcurtis]

Another great effort from Dan Jones! Love both his and the other Dan (Snow) programmes - my go-to on a rainy day (or any day)!

[MythicTales]

I've never heard this story told so vividly before. Thank you for bringing it to life!

[FreddytheRed]

Amazing documentary. Love Dan Jones, absolute baller when it comes to medieval history. I'm starting a History degree next year, it's my dream to be able to do something like this as a career. Thanks for the content HistoryHit.

[dperson]

Essex Dogs is as good a book that I've read about that era, its superb. The follow up was excellent too. Looking forward to the 3rd installment.

[xdizzy]

Earlier this year we, a group of friends, did a tour of these battle locations, including the alternative sites. Great to get some more details and information about the proposed alternative site of Crecy.

[mmtelz]

How is this content FREE?!?! Amazing ❤❤❤

[paulmilsommusic]

Does Dan Jones make the best medieval vids or what! Thats a rhetorical question...he does. Thoroughly enjoyable Dan. Thank you. From your friend paul

[patrickbaumgardner]

War is brutal, but war with swords, spears, and arrows is freaking insane! Imagine being there, absolutely devastating carnage!

[gregedmand]

Before you begin to feel outrage over the English conducting this kind of warfare in the 100 years war, remember this was standard operating conduct by European armies in this time. Those who were so shocked by Edward's army conduct, had a completely different view of their own French military conduct on campaign. There were few conflicts that were black and white, good vs evil wars like we pretend only exist today. These were Game of Thrones wars... Minus the dragons and the White Walker's. With the poor townsfolk and farmers caught in the middle.

[robertthomas]

Very interesting, I learned a lot. Thanks

[arg]

Never would have looked at this guy on the beach and expected to hear him say, "I've always been fascinated by Edward III's 1346 campaign."

[paulm]

Let's not forget that the doctrine of chivalry didnt extend to the common soldiers and the french nobiilty who made up the bulk of the french army, were particularly contemptible of the english and welsh archers, and would have shown them no mercy whatsoever, its sometimes easy and tempting for the vanquished to claim unfairness .

[jeffreymanestar]

Outstanding documentary, so interesting. Thank u

[kevinmcqueenie]

Great video! Just a small (pedantic!) point that Edward The Black Prince, would have been known as Edward of Woodstock around the time of the battle. The Black Prince epithet seems to be applied around the 16th Century, probably referencing his armour or the shield he used in jousting. (Of course I'm sure Dan knows this and is just choosing the more famous name, but for anyone who didn't know, it might be worth something to you!)

[djjamestobin]

Great subject matter, great content, great presenter, great visuals, great sound .. thoroughly enjoyed watching this video! Thanks HistoryHit :)

[laurag]

The long bow archers certainly made a difference

[ellie]

One of my favourite poems is set in the battle of Crecy.

The Fly by Miroslav Holub

[oldbari]

The longbow men did not shoot their arrows into the air
as your live clips kept showing. They shot them straight at the enemy as the old medieval illustrations you use show.

[poet.alhashimi]

Excellent documentary, thoroughly enjoyed it.