Battle of Patay

Following defeat at the Siege of Orleans, English forces under the leadership of Sir John Talbot and Lord Scales retreated and marched toward Paris. On the way, they met a relief force led by Sir John Fastolf sent from Paris to support them. This reinforced army was to meet the French at the Battle of Patay. 

 

The English, aware of the French approach sent a force of archers to ambush them, but they were discovered. To avoid being discovered the archers had not deployed their wooden stakes to hamper the French approach. The French attacked and with little resistance met, the English archers were routed; this left the English army exposed. 

 

Many of the English army were new recruits with little battle experience. When Fastolfs unit tried to join up with the other English forces, many were already fleeing. The mounted French forces rampaged through the English lines and found little resistance. 

 

Sir John Talbot was captured and later ransomed. Sir John Fastolf, the only leader to stay mounted on his horse, escaped. 

 

French mounted forces had been led by La Hire Etienne de Vignolles (La Hire) and Jean Poton de Xaintrailles with Joan of Arc leading the rear-guard. 

 

The Battle of Patay resulted in a resounding victory for the French army and following this Joan of Arc led Charles to Reims for his coronation as, King Charles VII of France on 17 July 1429.