The Black Prince and the Grande Chevauchée of 1355

On 19 September 1356 Edward of Woodstock, known as the Black Prince, and his Anglo-Gascon army defeated Jean II of France at the Battle of Poitiers. The victory was the culmination of an expedition which had begun in England in 1355, and saw the successful undertaking of the so-called "grande chevauchée" - which depended on a system of purveyance and recruitment in England, in addition to an efficient supply train which accompanied the army. This book examines in detail the efficient and effective logistics that drove that success; it also shows the powerful connection between tactics and strategy on the one hand, and geography, human topography, and the need for food, water and rest, on the other.

MOLLIE M. MADDEN holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota.

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Preparations for the Chevauchée: England's Existing System of Purveyance
A Competent Military Force: England's Existing System of Recruitment
The Campaign to Narbonne: An Efficient System of Supply
The Return to Bordeaux: A Test of Endurance
After the Campaign
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Ships of the Prince's Fleet
Appendix 2: Edward of Woodstock's Army
Appendix 3: The Prince's March
Appendix 4: Financial Tables
Bibliography
Index