While the Cardinal of Périgord moved between the French and English armies attempting to negotiate peace, other knights took advantage of the truce on Sunday to scout enemy positions. Both the French and English sent out small groups to observe and assess the strength and formation of the opposing army.
On that day, Lord John Chandos, a prominent English knight, rode along the French lines to observe their disposition. At the same time, the Lord of Clermont, one of the French marshals, scouted the English positions. As fate would have it, the two knights met while returning to their respective armies The Black Prince Encourages His Men.
A Friendly Dispute
Both knights bore similar devices on their clothing: a blue lady embroidered with a sunbeam. This led to a playful exchange:
The Lord of Clermont said, “Chandos! How long have you claimed my device?”
Chandos replied, “Nay, it is as much mine as yours.”
Clermont insisted, “I deny that! Were it not for today’s truce, I would make you prove it by combat.”
Chandos laughed and said, “Tomorrow I shall be ready to defend it, and we will see by feats of arms whose it truly is.”
Clermont then complimented Chandos, saying, “These are the words of the English—always clever in devising, and always fair in appearance.” After this light-hearted argument, they parted ways and returned to their armies.
The Cardinal’s Unsuccessful Negotiation
Despite his tireless efforts, the Cardinal of Périgord failed to secure any agreement between the French and English on that Sunday. By evening, he returned to Poitiers, realizing that the chance for peace had passed. Both armies prepared to rest for the night, but their circumstances were very different Sightseeing Ephesus.
The French army had ample provisions and could rest without concern. In contrast, the English army faced shortages. They struggled to find forage for their horses and supplies for their men, and they could not leave their positions without risk of being attacked.
Preparing Defenses
That Sunday, the English soldiers took further steps to strengthen their position. They built ditches and hedges around their archers, creating fortified positions that would make it harder for the French to break through. This careful preparation demonstrated the strategic skill of the Black Prince, who relied on terrain and fortifications to counteract the larger French army.
Readiness for Battle
By Monday morning, both armies were fully prepared. The English were well-positioned and disciplined, ready to defend against the French attack. At sunrise, the French army also took their positions, organized in full battle order.
The meeting of scouts, the playful encounter between knights, and the fortification of positions show the combination of strategy, honor, and preparation that characterized medieval warfare. While diplomacy had failed, the careful reconnaissance and defensive measures of the English would play a crucial role in the coming Battle of Poitiers, setting the stage for one of the most decisive confrontations of the Hundred Years’ War.