Crécy, << KREHS ee or kray SEE >>, Battle of, was the first important battle of the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). It took place in 1346 at the site of the present village of Crécy, in the French department of Somme. English troops under Edward III defeated a much larger French army under Philip VI. Almost half the French force was killed in the battle, including more than a thousand knights. English archers on foot proved more effective than armor-clad French knights on horses. The hero of the battle was Edward, the Black Prince, son of Edward III of England.
