At the same time Otto and the Count of Flanders, their German and Flemish knighthood strengthened by reinforcements from Boulogne as well as by a body of English troops under the Earl of Salisbury, threatened France from the north.

For the moment Philip seemed lost: and yet on the fortunes of Philip hung the fortunes of English freedom.

But in this crisis of her fate, France was true to herself and her king.

From every borough of Northern France the townsmen marched to his rescue, and the village priests led their flocks to battle with the Church-banners flying at their head.

The two armies met at the close of July near the bridge of Bouvines, between Lille and Tournay, and from the first the day went against the allies.