Jean de Lille
Jean de Lille, Seneschal of Poitou was a 14th century French noble. Life Lille raised a Poitevin army to besiege Lusignan Castle held by an Anglo-Gascon garrison in Summer 1349. He attacked an Anglo-Gason force of 500 mounted men, led by Thomas Coke, Seneschal of Gascony while they were on their way to relieve Lusignan. Intercepted the Anglo-Gascon force at Lunalonge, the Poitevins numbered some 1,500 men. Approaching the Anglo-Gascon force in three mounted battles, the Anglo-Gascons withdrew to a small rise and dismounted. The Anglo-Gascons sent their horses to their baggage train at the rear. The Poitevins circled round the Anglo-Gascons, attacking their baggage train and then proceeded to attack the rear of the Anglo-Gascons. The first two Poitevin battles charged at the Anglo-Gascons, but they stood firm, using their lances as improvised pikes. The Poitevins repeatedly attacked the Anglo-Gascons lines but failed to break through into the Anglo-Gascon schiltron and suffered heavy casualties. The third Poitevin battle did not attack, holding its position waiting for any opportunity to exploit any weaknesses in the Anglo-Gascon lines. When none had arisen by nightfall the third Poitevin battle retreated back to Lusignan with the captured horses. In the course of the