1-626-344 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'The Surrender of Calais', 19th century. A scene from the 100 Years War, in which Edward III of England, having finally taken Calais in 1346, asks for six citizens to be sent to him, to die for their town. The six volunteers were 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.