April 13

The Hailstorm That Changed History

Edward III, with the storm in background
via College of St. George

In April 1360 everything seemed to be going King Edward's way. Edward III of England was trying hard to conquer France. He claimed the throne of France, and to enforce that claim he crossed the channel in October 1359 with a large army. The French, for their part, refused battle, preferring to shelter behind their fortifications, leaving Edward to ransack the countryside.

Edward proceded to do just that, advancing on Paris and burning the suburbs. The skirmishes in the suburbs proved inconclusive, however, and attrition from French raids and disease was high. Edward decided to retreat to Chartres. Laying siege to the city, his troops camped outside the town, and on April 13 it happened. 'It' was a sudden and severe hailstorm accompanied by lightning.

There was little shelter anywhere close. The temperature fell dramatically and lightning strikes killed several people. Huge hailstones along with freezing rain pelted the troops, the hailstones killing an estimated 1,000 soldiers, as well as nearly 6,000 horses. Panic set in amongst the English, especially after two of their leaders were killed. The freak storm was taken as a sign from God against Edward's endeavor. Monday, April 13, 1360 was ever after known as "Black Monday".

Shortly thereafter the Abbot of Cluny arrived with peace proposals. Edward III gave up his claim to the French throne and, in return, was given appreciable chunks of territory.