On the first January, 1558, the Duc de Guise appeared before Calais.

The Marshal Strozzi had previously made an expedition, in disguise, to examine the place.

The result of his examination was that the garrison was weak, and that it relied too much upon the citadel.

After a tremendous cannonade, which lasted a week, and was heard in Antwerp, the city was taken by assault.

Thus the key to the great Norman portal of France, the time-honored key which England had worn at her girdle since the eventful day of Crecy, was at last taken from her.