Introduction
The death of Charles IV of France in 1328 led to a dispute over succession between Edward III of England (whose mother Isabella was French royalty) and Philip VI of France. Matters came to a head at Crécy in 1346, but despite all that was riding on it Edward left the battle in the hands of his son Prince Edward, aged sixteen.
ON that memorable day, Sunday, the 26th of August, the young prince had the command of the vanguard, or first of the three divisions into which the English army was divided, which in fact bore the brunt of the battle. It was the beginning of an entirely new system of military tactics, and the English men-at-arms on this occasion had dismounted from their horses, and engaged on foot the far more numerous mounted men-at-arms of France, who were led by princes and nobles, always looked upon as the ablest and bravest of the feudal chivalry of France.*
The English, encouraged by the conduct of their young leader, fought steadily in their ranks, but the struggle seemed so unequal, that the Earls of Northampton and Arundel, who commanded the second, or central division of the English army, hastened to their assistance; yet, though the force of the enemy appeared still so overwhelming, King Edward, who commanded the third division, or rear-guard, continued to stand aloof, and held his division in inaction.
The French attempted to distract the English from their campaign by invoking the ‘Auld Alliance’ and engaging the Scots in support. But the hardly less important The Battle of Neville’s Cross later that autumn put an end to their stratagem.
Précis
The English commander at the battle of Crecy in 1346 was Edward the Black Prince, then just sixteen. The enemy greatly outnumbered his forces, and were led by France’s most experienced captains. Edward’s men struggled to hold their own, but even so Edward’s father, King Edward III, watching from a hill, made no move to help his son. (58 / 60 words)
The English commander at the battle of Crecy in 1346 was Edward the Black Prince, then just sixteen. The enemy greatly outnumbered his forces, and were led by France’s most experienced captains. Edward’s men struggled to hold their own, but even so Edward’s father, King Edward III, watching from a hill, made no move to help his son.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: because, besides, if, must, not, otherwise, since, whereas.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
You are welcome to share your creativity with me, or ask for help with any of the exercises on Clay Lane. Write to me at this address:
See more at Post Box.
If you like what I’m doing here on Clay Lane, from time to time you could buy me a coffee.
Buy Me a Coffee is a crowdfunding website, used by over a million people. It is designed to help content creators like me make a living from their work. ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ prides itself on its security, and there is no need to register.
