As the Black Prince and his army advanced, the Duke of Normandy’s battle became uneasy. Many of the French commanders, including the duke himself, and the king’s young sons—the Count of Poitiers and the Count of Touraine—lost confidence. Believing their governors, they abandoned the battlefield, taking with them more than eight hundred spears that did not strike a single blow that day Ephesus Daily Tours.
Despite the retreat, some French knights chose to fight bravely to the end. Lord Guischard d’Angle and Lord John of Saintré, who were attached to the Count of Poitiers, refused to flee. They entered the thickest part of the battle, demonstrating courage even as the larger French forces disintegrated.
Meanwhile, the king’s three sons made their way to Chauvigny for safety. Lords assigned to protect them, such as Lord John of Landes and Lord Thibault of Bordenay, ensured their safety. Their actions were recognized as loyal and valuable, earning them greater honor from the king than remaining on the field.
Even some groups that fled later joined the retreating forces of the Duke of Orleans. Although their masters had left the battlefield, many knights and squires chose to fight rather than face shame, showing the honor and courage that marked chivalric conduct The Black Prince Confronts Church Interference.
The King’s Battle Engages the English
After the Duke of Normandy’s retreat, the French king’s battle confronted the English. This was a fierce encounter, with many blows exchanged between the two sides. Among the English forces were the Earl of Warwick and the Earl of Suffolk, supported by knights from Gascony, including the Captal de Buch and Lord de Pamiers.
The French received some reinforcements in time. Lord John of Landes and Lord Thibault of Bordenay joined the king’s battle, dismounting and fighting on foot. Nearby, the Duke of Athens, the Constable of France, led another group, while the Duke of Bourbon commanded knights from Bourbonnais and Picardy. The Poitevins were positioned to the side, ready to support the fight.
Other notable French leaders included Lord James of Bourbon, Lord John d’Artois, and Lord Arnold of Cervolle, who fought on behalf of the young Count of Alençon and Auvergne. The battlefield was crowded with valiant fighters on both sides.
Individual Acts of Valor
Among the French, the Earl Douglas of Scotland fought with great courage. He struck decisively against the English, showing his skill and bravery. However, upon seeing the collapse of the French lines, he chose to retreat rather than be captured, preferring to save his life instead of being taken prisoner by the English.
This portion of the Battle of Poitiers illustrates how honor and courage varied individually, with some commanders fleeing, some dying in combat, and others continuing to fight despite overwhelming odds. Leadership, discipline, and personal valor shaped the battle as much as the numbers on the field.