Siege of Tournai (1340)

Timeline

1. 1340Outside Tournai · BelgiumAround the Battle of Sluys, Edward III shifted his main land force to Tournai. English and Welsh archers with Flemish allies surrounded the city, built siege works, and cut supply lines. The garrison under the French-appointed governor strengthened the defenses and stockpiled provisions.
2. 1340Tournai · BelgiumThe besiegers launched continuous bombardments and assaults, met by stubborn resistance. Philip VI stood off the English outside the city with the French main force, both sides avoiding a general battle. Summer epidemics and supply difficulties plagued both camps, the campaign stalemated, and the papacy and Low Country powers began mediating a truce.
3. 1340Esplechin · FranceBoth sides judged further fighting too costly and signed a truce at Esplechin on 25 September. The English withdrew from the siege lines and Tournai remained in French hands. Though it failed of its strategic goal, the siege drained French resources and demonstrated English expeditionary capacity.