The Battle of Crécy took place during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War, a protracted conflict between England and France that spanned over a century. King Edward III of England had launched an invasion of France in 1346, seeking to assert his claim to the French throne. The English army, numbering around 10,000, included a significant contingent of skilled longbowmen, known for their exceptional range and rapid firing capabilities.

The French army, led by King Philip VI, consisted of approximately 30,000 troops, comprised of heavily armored knights and infantry. The two forces met near the village of Crécy, where the English strategically positioned themselves on a hillside, allowing their longbowmen to rain arrows on the advancing French. As the French knights charged, they faced devastating volleys that decimated their ranks before they could close the distance.

The battle was notable for its use of the longbow, which outperformed the crossbow and traditional knightly combat tactics. The English victory at Crécy not only underscored the effectiveness of new military strategies but also marked a turning point, as England began to gain prominence in medieval Europe. This battle disputed the traditional dominance of feudal knights and highlighted the potential of well-trained infantry in warfare.