The Battle of Crécy, fought on August 26, 1346, was a pivotal confrontation during the Hundred Years' War. English longbowmen, utilizing their superior range and rate of fire, decisively defeated a larger French army, marking a significant shift in medieval warfare. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of infantry over traditional cavalry tactics and set the stage for future English victories in the war, influencing military strategies for centuries to come.

The Battle of Crécy in 1346 was immortalized in medieval ballads and epic poetry, such as those by the poet John Lydgate, which celebrated English valor and the prowess of archers. This event not only shaped national identity but also inspired a genre of literature that romanticized warfare.