The medieval city of Calais
REAL HISTORY
The Quality of Mercy
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Six hundred and fifty years ago Edward was king of England.
He had sons and daughters, and a wife called Philippa, who he loved very dearly,
but ambition drove him to try to conquer the neighbouring kingdom of France.
He defeated many of the French noblemen in a battle at Crécy, in the North of
France, and then
marched to the city of Calais. Here he ordered his troops to set up camp around
the walls, and remain there until the people inside surrendered.
The months passed and the people of Calais grew hungrier and
hungrier, for Edward’s army allowed no food to enter the city. At one time
they thought that the King of France might come to free them, but they were so
tightly surrounded by Edward’s soldiers that the French king could not risk an
attack.
Finally, the lack of food grew unbearable, and the besieged
inhabitants hoisted an English flag, as a token of surrender. Edward saw the
sign, and sent some of his soldiers to talk to the Governor of the city.
“We can hold out no longer,” said the old man, who was
himself weak with hunger. “We give everything up to King Edward, providing he
deals mercifully with us, and lets us live.”
But Edward had spent a long year besieging Calais, and had
grown angry with its people. He replied that he would spare their lives, if they
sent him six of their chief men, dressed in shirts, barefooted, with ropes round
their necks and carrying the keys to the city gates. These men would be severely
punished, but all the other inhabitants he would allow to go free.
When the people of Calais heard this message they were filled
with despair. However, one of their richest merchants, a man called Eustace de
St Pierre, stepped forward, and offered to give himself up to the English king.
Inspired by his example, five other men joined him. Amidst the tears of the
townsfolk they filed out of the city behind the Governor, dressed in their
shameful attire.
All who saw them were moved with pity, but Edward hardened
his heart, and ordered their heads to be struck off.
Everyone pleaded with him to spare them, but to no avail.
At length Queen Philippa knelt down at her husband’s feet
and entreated him to be merciful. Edward remained silent, and tried to raise
her, but she continued to beg for the men’s lives.
“I wish you had been anywhere else,” he said at last, “but
I cannot refuse you. Do with them what you will.”
Then Queen Philippa gave the six men proper clothes, and held
a great feast in their honour.