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Lancaster's chevauchée of 1356 in Normandy was an English offensive directed by Henry, Earl of Lancaster (depicted), as part of the Hundred Years' War. The offensive took the form of a chevauchée, a large-scale mounted raid, and lasted from 22 June to 13 July 1356. Lancaster landed in the Cotentin and pillaged and burnt his way eastward across the Duchy of Normandy with 2,300 men. John II of France moved to Rouen with a much stronger force to intercept Lancaster, but the English turned south after relieving and re-victualling the besieged friendly citadel of Pont-Audemer. They resupplied another friendly fortification, Breteuil, then stormed and sacked the important town of Verneuil-sur-Avre before retreating. John pursued, but bungled several opportunities to bring the English to battle. In 22 days the English travelled 330 miles (530 km), a remarkable effort for the period. The expedition seized a large amount of loot, damaged the French economy and prestige, and cemented new alliances. (Full article...)