Calais

Calais lies across the narrowest part of the Channel from England. Its harbour and fortified town made it a prized gateway between the island and the continent, useful for merchants and armies alike. For over two centuries Calais and a surrounding district remained an English possession on French soil.

Edward III captured the town in 1347 after a long siege and encouraged English settlers to establish themselves there. Calais became the staple through which English wool was sold to continental merchants, especially buyers from the cloth towns of Flanders. A mint established in 1363 turned proceeds of the trade into English coin, helping supply the garrison and the Crown. Its merchants also helped finance the town's defences. The English held Calais long after losing their other conquests in France. In 1558 a French army under Francis, Duke of Guise, captured it, ending English rule. The loss deprived England of a continental stronghold that had been a base for trade, diplomacy and military expeditions since the reign of Edward III.