As the Black Prince and his army moved forward, they were unsure of the exact location of the French forces. They feared that the enemy was close, but could not see them directly. At the same time, the English army was beginning to feel the effects of their own earlier actions. They had destroyed large amounts of food and supplies in Berri, Anjou, and Touraine, and now they faced a shortage of provisions. Many soldiers regretted burning so much, realizing that their lack of planning might soon cause serious difficulties for their campaign The French King Prepares for Battle.
French Lords Move Toward Poitiers
Meanwhile, the French were organizing themselves to confront the English. On Friday, three prominent French lords—the Lord of Craon, the Lord Raoul of Coucy, and the Count of Joigny—remained in the town of Chauvigny with part of their companies. The next day, Saturday, they crossed a bridge and followed the French king, who was already a few leagues ahead. The French troops took a careful route through open land and bushes, avoiding thick woods, as they marched toward Poitiers Guided Ephesus Tours.
The First Encounter
On the same Saturday, the English army left a nearby village and sent out a small scouting force to check the area for enemy activity. This group consisted of about sixty well-horsed men-at-arms, led by the Lord Eustace d’Auberticourt and the Lord John of Guystelles. By chance, the English scouts encountered a group of French knights along the edge of a wood.
The French immediately recognized the English as enemies. Quickly, they donned their helmets, displayed their banners, and advanced toward the English with a force of about 200 men-at-arms. Seeing the larger number of French knights, the English scouts decided to retreat, hoping to draw the French toward the main body of the Black Prince’s army.
The Skirmish Escalates
As the English withdrew through the corner of the wood, the French pursued them loudly, shouting and raising a clamor. Unknowingly, the French scouts rode straight into the Black Prince’s main battle force. The prince had positioned his army carefully, waiting to receive news from his forward scouts.
During this sudden encounter, the Lord Raoul of Coucy advanced too far and ended up directly under the English banner. A fierce fight broke out. Many French knights fought bravely, but they were overwhelmed. Several high-ranking lords, including the Count of Joigny, the Viscount of Bruce, and the Lord of Chauvigny, were either captured or killed. Only a few managed to escape.
Realization of the French King’s Approach
From the prisoners, the Black Prince learned that the French king was moving closely behind him. He understood that it would soon be impossible to avoid a full battle. In response, he called all his men together and ordered strict discipline: no soldier was to move ahead of the marshal’s banners. This careful control ensured that the English army would be ready for the coming confrontation with the French forces.