Melun

Melun stands on the Seine upstream from Paris, its old centre occupying an island in the river. Bridges joined the island to both banks, giving the town importance as a crossing and a royal stronghold. Its position made Melun a target for armies seeking control of the approaches to the capital.

In 1420, during the Hundred Years' War, Henry V of England and his Burgundian allies besieged Melun, whose garrison held for the Dauphin Charles. The defenders resisted the besieging armies for several months despite severe hunger, but finally surrendered in November. The English occupied the town until the French recovered it in 1437. Melun's siege became remembered for the endurance of its inhabitants and soldiers against a much larger besieging force.