Battle of Patay

After the liberation of Orléans, Jeanne d’Arc turned her attention to other English-held towns in the Loire Valley. While far-less-known than the famous royal châteaux, these villages offer opportunities to view medieval castles and churches of a simpler style. Wandering their narrow streets can sometimes present quaint sights of life in rural France.

03a Battle of Patay: 18 June 1429
Département: Loiret
Region: Centre
Country: France

A French Battlefields “Virtual Battlefield Tour” [This battlefield is not included in Fields of War.]

Summary: The siege of Orléans had been lifted, but the English Army, led by John Talbot, the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, still controlled bridges across the Loire River at Jargeau, Meung-s/Loire, and Beaugency. In addition, Sir John Fastolf was leading an English relief column from Paris. After a short rest and with reinforcements in the form of Duke Jean II of Alençon’s troops, Jeanne set about retaking Jargeau (12 June), the Meung-s/Loire bridge (15 June) and Beaugency (16 June). The combined French forces pursued the retreating English Army and won a decisive open-field battle near Patay (18 June). The victory turned the tide of the war.

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