Siege of Roche-au-Moine

The Siege of Roche-au-Moine was an engagement of the Anglo-French War . King John of England besieged the castle but had to retreat in the face of King Philip Augustus' son, Prince Louis.

King John did not want to engage the French army in battle and had opted for a diversionary approach. His goal was to draw the French king and the bulk of his forces south to facilitate the main Imperial-led allied invasion of France from the northeast. The endeavor was initially successful as King Philip marched to check the English incursion but suddenly decided to return north with the bulk of his troops, leaving his son with the task of halting the English king's advance. Destroying their siege implements, the English hastily withdrew when Prince Louis marched to relieve Roche-au-Moine, despite enjoying significant numerical superiority. This was not without reason however as King John distrusted his Poitevin allies and was afraid of not being supported in case of confrontation. His rearguard suffered severely at the hands of Louis' army during the retreat. The prince pursued him as far as Thouars before turning back to Anjou. King John's efforts were ultimately fruitless as Philip inflicted a crushing defeat on his allies at the Battle of Bouvines.

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