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Hundred Years' War

The Hundred Years' War was a series of intermittent conflicts fought between England and France from 1337 to 1453.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Hundred Years' War was a series of intermittent conflicts between England and France from 1337 to 1453. The war arose from disputes over the French crown and English territorial rights in France. It ended with a French victory, with England retaining only Calais until 1558.

Origins

The conflict grew out of long-running disputes between the English and French crowns over feudal rights in France and the succession to the French throne after the death of Charles IV in 1328.

Major phases and battles

The war is often divided into phases, reflecting periods of fighting and truce. Notable engagements included Crécy in 1346, Agincourt in 1415, and Castillon in 1453.

Outcome and consequences

France emerged dominant, recovering nearly all contested lands in France. The war strengthened the French monarchy and reduced England’s continental holdings, leaving Calais as the principal English possession for a time.

Historical significance

The war is remembered as a major medieval conflict that helped shape the development of national identities, military technology, and royal authority in both kingdoms.

Key facts

  • The war is traditionally dated from 1337 to 1453, though fighting was intermittent rather than continuous.
  • It began after tensions over English-held lands in France and Edward III’s claim to the French throne escalated.
  • The conflict included major battles such as Crécy, Agincourt, and Castillon.
  • French forces ultimately regained most English-held territory in France, with Calais remaining under English control for a time.
  • The end of active hostilities is commonly associated with the Treaty or Truce of Picquigny in 1475, though no formal peace treaty ended the war.
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Canadian context

The war has no direct Canadian connection, but it is part of the broader French and English medieval history that later shaped the colonial histories of New France and British North America.

Frequently asked questions

Why was it called the Hundred Years' War?
The name became common later and refers to the long Anglo-French conflict, not a literal 100-year war. The fighting lasted about 116 years with interruptions.
When did the Hundred Years' War begin?
It is conventionally dated to 1337, when Philip VI confiscated the English-held duchy of Guyenne and Edward III’s claim to the French crown became central to the conflict.
When did the war end?
The last major battle was Castillon in 1453. Active conflict effectively ended later, with the Truce of Picquigny in 1475, and no formal peace treaty was signed.
Who won the Hundred Years' War?
France won overall, recovering most of its territory from England. England retained Calais for a period after the war.
What were the main causes?
The main causes were disputes over the French succession and over English feudal holdings in France, especially Aquitaine/Guyenne.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/Hundred-Years-War
    Supports: Date range, causes, and end of hostilities
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Hundred-Years-War
    Supports: Overview of conflict, date range, and causes
  3. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/hundred-years-war
    Supports: Origins, major events, and outcome
  4. World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Hundred_Years'_War/
    Supports: Date range, intermittent nature, and division into phases
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/hundred-years-war-1337-1453
    Supports: Castillon as last battle and end of hostilities