But Edward's lines were impregnable.

The French king failed in another attempt to dislodge the Flemings, and was at last driven to retreat without a blow.

Hopeless of further succour, the town after a year's siege was starved into surrender in August 1347.

Mercy was granted to the garrison and the people on condition that six of the citizens gave themselves into the English king's hands.

"On them," said Edward with a burst of bitter hatred, "I will do my will." At the sound of the town bell, Jehan le Bel tells us, the folk of Calais gathered round the bearer of these terms, "desiring to hear their good news, for they were all mad with hunger.