BattlefieldsBattle of Sandwich 1217 — Eustace the Monk
Medieval

Battle of Sandwich 1217 — Eustace the Monk

1217
Kent, England
Also known as: Naval Battle of Sandwich 1217 · Death of Eustace the Monk
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
French fleet (Eustace the Monk)
Forces
c. 70–80 French transport/escort ships
VS
Victor
English (Hubert de Burgh / Philip d'Aubigny)
Forces
c. 15–25 English ships
Outcome
French fleet destroyed; Eustace the Monk captured and beheaded on his own ship; French reinforcements to Louis cut off
The Battle

History & Significance

The naval Battle of Sandwich was the decisive engagement ending the First Barons War. An English fleet intercepted the French supply convoy commanded by Eustace the Monk off Sandwich. The English threw powdered quicklime to blind the French, then boarded and cut the rigging to disable the vessels. Eustace the Monk, a notorious mercenary captain and former pirate, was found hiding in the bilges and beheaded on deck. The loss of the fleet doomed Louis, who agreed the Treaty of Kingston the following month.

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