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Webbed by Steven Proctor
When the English saw the town of Cadsant, whither they were bending their course to attack those that were within it, they considered, that, as the wind and the tide were in their favour, in the name of God and St. George they would run close up to it. They ordered the trumpets to sound, and each made himself quickly ready; they ranged their vessels, and placing archers on the prows, made full sail for the town. The sentinels and guards at Cadsant had plainly perceived the approach of this large fleet, and taking it for granted that it must be English, had armed themselves upon the dykes and the sands, with their banners in their proper positions before them. They had also created a number of knights upon the occasion, as many as sixteen: their numbers might be about five thousand, taking all together, very valiant knights and bachelors, as they proved by their deeds. Among them were Guy of Flanders, a good knight, but a bastard1, who was very anxious that all in his train should do their duty; sir Dutres de Halluyn, sir John de Rhodes, sir Giles de l'Estrief, sir Simon and sir John de Bouquedent, who were then knighted, and Peter d'Aglemoustier, with many other bachelors and esquires, valiant men at arms. There was not parley between them, for the English were as eager to attack as the Flemings were to defend themselves. The archers were ordered to draw their bows stiff and strong and to set up their shouts; upon which those that guarded the haven were forced to retire, whether they would or not, for this first discharge did much mischief, and many were maimed and hurt. The English barons and knights then landed, and with battle-axes, swords, and lances, combated their enemies. Many gallant deeds of prowess and courage were done that day: - the Flemings fought valiantly, and the English attacked them all in the spirit of chivalry. The gallant earl of Derby proved himself a good knight, and advanced so forward in the first assault, that he was struck down: and then the lord of Manny was of essential service to him; for by his feats of arms, he covered him, and raised him up, and placed him out of danger, crying, "Lancaster for the earl of Derby!" They then closed with each other; - many were wounded, but more of the Flemings than of the English; for the English archers made such continual discharges, from the time they landed, that they did much damage.
The battle was very severe and fierce before the town of Cadsant, for the Flemings were good men, and expert in arms; the earl had selected and placed them there to defend the passage against the English, and they were desirous of performing their duty in every respect, which they did. Of the barons and knights of England, there were, first, the earl of Derby, son of henry of Lancaster, surnamed Wryneck; the earl of Suffolk, lord Reginald Cobham, lord Lewis Beauchamp, lord William, son of the earl of Warwick, the lord William Beauclerk, sir Walter Manney, and many others, who most vigorously assaulted the Flemings. The combat was very sharp and well fought, for they were engaged hand to fist; but at length the Flemings were put to the rout, and more than three thousand killed, as well at the haven as in the streets and the houses. Sir Guy, the Bastard, of Flanders, was taken prisoner. Of the killed, were sir Dutres de Halluyn, sir John of Rhodes, the two brothers Bouquedent, sir Giles de l'Estrief, and more than twenty-six other knights and esquires. The town was taken and pillaged: and when everything was put on board the vessels with the prisoners, it was burnt. The English retuned without accident to England. The king made lord Guy of Flanders pledge his troth, that he would remain a prisoner; but in the course of a year he turned to the English, and did his homage and fealty to the king.