Siege of Ypres (1383)
The siege of Ypres occurred between 8 June and 8 August 1383 as part of Despenser's Crusade and the Revolt of Ghent (1379–1385). It was conducted by English forces and forces from the Flemish city of Ghent. The siege was a failure. Prelude The city of Ghent in the County of Flanders rebelled in September 1379 against its count Louis of Male, who supported France against England in the Hundred Years' War, which was against the economic interests of Flanders. After their defeat at the Battle of Roosebeke in November 1382, the citizens of Ghent requested English assistance, and the English sent a force under Henry le Despenser, the Bishop of Norwich. The English landed at Calais in May 1383 and took Gravelines, Dunkirk, Poperinge, and Nieuwpoort. On 25 May the crusaders put to flight a Franco-Flemish army, under the command of Louis of Male, in a pitched battle fought near Dunkirk. Despenser was then persuaded by his Ghent allies and some of his officers to besiege Ypres, which had remained loyal to the count and to France. Siege The inhabitants of Ypres were well prepared for a siege by the time the English and their allies arrived and attacked