Rouen, Siege of

Siege of Rouen, the capital of Normandy, France, by Henry V of England from 30 July 1418 to 19 January 1419. There were no assaults, but the slow strangulation of blockade; Henry received the city's surrender when the defenders were reduced to starvation.

Henry crossed the River Seine at Pont de l'Arche on a bridge of boats and was able to besiege the large and well-fortified city, held for the Burgundians since January. He had the river blocked upstream, towards Paris, by piles driven into its bed and linked by a chain. Downstream, the French garrison of Caudebec promised not to send relief. On land a circumvallation of trenches spiked with stakes prevented a way out. Eventually, despairing of relief from Duke John the Fearless, the defenders surrendered.