BattlefieldsBattle of Winchelsea 1350 — Les Espagnols sur Mer
Medieval

Battle of Winchelsea 1350 — Les Espagnols sur Mer

1350
East Sussex, England
Also known as: Les Espagnols sur Mer 1350 · Edward III sea fight Winchelsea · Battle of L'Espagnols sur Mer
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
East Sussex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Castilian fleet (Carlos de la Cerda)
Forces
Castilian fleet c. 16–20 ships.
VS
Victor
English (Edward III)
Forces
English fleet c. 50–80 ships
Outcome
Castilian fleet defeated despite English ships being boarded and sunk; English victory at great cost
The Battle

History & Significance

On 29 August 1350, Edward III intercepted a returning Castilian fleet hired by France off Winchelsea. Unlike Sluys this was a running naval battle fought at sea rather than in harbour. The English ships (including the king's cog Thomas) were rammed and boarded by the tall Castilian vessels. Edward III and the Black Prince both had their ships sunk under them. Eventually the Castilians were driven off. The battle demonstrated both English naval prowess and its limits — the Castilian contract was not broken and they continued to threaten English shipping.

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