Battle of Montiel

For an earlier battle of the Reconquista, see Battle of Montiel (1143).
Battle of Montiel
Part of the Hundred Years' War
and the Castilian Civil War

Miniature of the Battle of Montiel from the "Chronicles" of Jean Froissart (XVth C)
Date 14 March 1369
Location Montiel, La Mancha, Castile
Result Decisive Franco-Castilian victory
Belligerents
Portugal
Castilians
Jews
Granadines
Marinids		 France
Castilians
Commanders and leaders
Peter of Castile Henry II of Castile
Strength
~15000 troops unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown unknown

The battle of Najera (1367) was of dubious long-term significance as Pedro of Castile and the Black Prince fell out over money. The Black Prince, affected by a dysentery, soon withdrew his support from Pedro and returned to Aquitaine. The English retreat was terrible as four English soldiers out of five died.

The Battle of Montiel was fought in 1369 between Franco-Castilian forces, and an alliance of pro-English forces led by the Portuguese. The Franco-Castilian force was led by Bertrand du Guesclin, while Pedro of Castile led a Castilian-Portuguese force. The Franco-Castilians were victorious thanks to the brilliant tactic of du Guesclin.

After the battle, Pedro fled to the castle of Montiel, where he became trapped. In an attempt to bribe Bertrand du Guesclin, Pedro was lured into a trap outside the castle. In a confrontation with his stepbrother Henry, Pedro was killed. His death on 23 March 1369 marked the end of the Castilian Civil War.

King Henry named du Guesclin Duke of Molina and he formed an alliance with French King Charles V. Between 1370 to 1376, the Castilian fleet notably ravaged the English coasts many times, while du Guesclin reconquered Poitou and Normandy to the English.

References