Calais is a city and major ferry port in northern France. Although originally a small fishing village, due to its location Calais has been a major port since the Middle Ages and a very important centre for transport and trading with England.
Calais was first improved by the Count of Flanders in 997 and fortified by the Count of Boulogne in 1224. English wool trade interests and King Edward III's claims to be heir to the Kingdom of France led to the Battle of Crécy between England and France in 1346, followed by Edward's siege and capture of Calais in 1347.
Calais was regarded for many years as being an integral part of the Kingdom of England, with its representatives sitting in the English Parliament. The duration of the English hold over Calais was, to a large extent, the result of the feud between Burgundy and France, under which both sides coveted the town, but preferred to see it in the hands of the English rather than their domestic rivals. Following the defeat of Burgundy, Calais was conquered by France in 1558.
Calais was first improved by the Count of Flanders in 997 and fortified by the Count of Boulogne in 1224. English wool trade interests and King Edward III's claims to be heir to the Kingdom of France led to the Battle of Crécy between England and France in 1346, followed by Edward's siege and capture of Calais in 1347.
Calais was regarded for many years as being an integral part of the Kingdom of England, with its representatives sitting in the English Parliament. The duration of the English hold over Calais was, to a large extent, the result of the feud between Burgundy and France, under which both sides coveted the town, but preferred to see it in the hands of the English rather than their domestic rivals. Following the defeat of Burgundy, Calais was conquered by France in 1558.
Modern location: Calais, France
(1)
Henry VI
Obverse: HENRICVS REX ANGLIE, Crowned bust of Henry facing, annulets in fields
Reverse: VILLA CALIS, Long cross, three pellets in each quadrant, an anulet also in the 1st and 4th quadrants
Diameter:
18 mm
Die Orientation: 12 H
Weight: 0.8 g
Die Orientation: 12 H
Weight: 0.8 g
King of England and disputed King of France
AR Penny, Calais mint
S 1845