Battle of Bonchurch

The Battle of Bonchurch took place sometime in late July 1545 at Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight. No source of information states a specific date, although it could have happened on 21 July. The battle was a part of the wider Italian War of 1542–1546, and the battle took place during the 1545 French invasion of the Isle of Wight. Several landings were made by the French during the invasion of the Isle of Wight, including the one at Bonchurch. The two combatants were the Kingdom of England and France. England won the battle, and the French advance across the Isle of Wight was halted.

The battle was fought between French regular soldiers, and English militiamen. The number of French soldiers involved is believed to be around 500. The number of English militiamen is uncertain, with one source of information stating 300, and another stating 2800. English forces at the battle are understood to have been commanded by Captain Robert Fyssher, whilst French forces engaged were commanded by Le Seigneur de Tais. The battle was one of several that were fought between the English and the French on the Isle of Wight. The majority of sources of information regarding the battle state that the English won, although one source of information states that the French were victorious. The battle was fought because it was part of the French attempt to cause enough damage to the Isle of Wight to force the English ships standing off the coast of England to leave their defensive positions and attack in conditions favourable to the French. The landing at Bonchurch was one of several made by the French on the Isle of Wight, with others taking place at Sandown, Bembridge and St Helens.