The Battle of Poitiers is dated at September 22, 1356

We have previously discussed The Chronicles of Froissart.  This past discussion should be read for additional information.

With respect to the Battle of Poitiers, this was a major English victory in the Edwardian phase of the Hundred Years’ War.  It was the second of three major victories during this war.

The battle took place in the proximity of Poitiers in Aquitaine.  Veterans of the Battle of Crecy consisting of English, Welsh, Breton and Gascon troops led by the Black Prince, Edward, defeated a larger French force.  This led to the capture of the king, his son and the majority of the French nobility.

This was a catastrophic loss leaving France in the hands of the Dauphin Charles and resulted in kingdom wide populist revolts and destroyed the prestige of the French upper-class.  Four years later the war was ended on favorable terms for England.

That portion which pertains to the Battle of Poitiers may be read here:

http://www.bartleby.com/35/1/204.html

A look at this battle within the 100 Years War can be viewed here: