The Battle of Poitiers in 1356 AD was a major encounter of the Hundred Years War. But little attention is given to the Grand Chevauchée (raid) of 1355, conducted by the Black Prince - the son of King Edward III. Chevauchée of 1355 was, in hindsight, the 'Grand Prelude' of sorts to the Battle of Poitiers that took place just less than a year later. Although no battles were fought and no territory conquered during the Chevauchée of 1355, southern France was utterly devastated. The destruction of the rich countryside and urban areas, and the atrocities against the civilian population are among the most brutal military campaigns of the medieval period.

The Battle of Poitiers in 1356 was the second major English victory of the Edwardian phase of the Hundred Years' War. The effect of the defeat on France was catastrophic. Years of political turmoil and civil unrest followed, leading to a humiliating treaty at Bretigny in 1360, which saw huge portions of the French kingdom ceded to England.