BattlefieldsFrench Raid on Portsmouth 1338
Medieval

French Raid on Portsmouth 1338

1338
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Portsmouth 1338 · Burning of Portsmouth 1338
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Portsmouth townspeople
Forces
English: minimal local defence
VS
Victor
French raiders
Forces
French: galley fleet of Normandy
Outcome
French naval force burned Portsmouth town; no castle assault but town devastated
The Battle

History & Significance

In the opening phase of the Hundred Years War, French forces struck at Portsmouth before Edward III could bring his fleet to bear. The town was burned and plundered. The attack prompted Edward to accelerate his naval building and sparked English calls for coastal defences. It was a humiliation at the start of what would become England greatest maritime conflict.

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