1-155-420 - Art Media/Heritage Images

The courageous action of Eustache de Saint-Pierre at the Siege of Calais, 1346. A scene from the 100 Years War, in which Edward III of England, having finally taken Calais, asks for six citizens to be sent to him, to die for their town. The six volunteers are led by Eustache de St Pierre, one of the town's elders, who was the first to volunteer. Their lives were spared by the intervention of Edward's queen, Philippa of Hainault.