The wars between England and France in the 14th and 15th centuries, known collectively as the Hundred Years War, were not fought continually. They were the result of the English kings claiming the throne of France.
Some of France was periodically controlled by the English, and Chartres was occupied for 15 years during this time. The impact on French society and the economy can not be underestimated. Houses and farms were burnt, crops were ruined and land remained uncultivated for many years while men went off to fight. There was massive loss of life.
These wars, together with the [G 05 / Black Death], a plague which devastated Europe from 1347 to 1349, contributed to a sharp decline in the population of France at this time.
