French Raid on the Isle of Wight

1377

In August 1377, a large French raiding fleet attacked the south coast of England, and the Isle of Wight was among the worst affected areas. French troops landed and burned several towns and villages on the island, including Newtown, Yarmouth and Francheville (the old town of Newport). The raids caused widespread destruction and panic. The island's defences were inadequate, and the attack exposed the vulnerability of the south coast to seaborne assault. The raid prompted the construction of improved coastal defences and contributed to the decision to fortify key points around the island in subsequent centuries. Newtown, which had been a prosperous borough, never fully recovered from the destruction.