In 1360, the English king, Edward III, had gained the upper hand in the long and bloody struggle with France known as the Hundred Years War.
King Edward had set up his camp only about four miles from the walls of Chartres and the townspeople were fearfully awaiting his attack. Undoubtedly the city's clergy and many of the people were in the cathedral praying for deliverance from this terrible threat. Others, no doubt, were trying to secure the city walls against the coming attack, hide their valuables and protect their children.
Suddenly, without warning, the sky became cloudy and dark above the Edward's camp. A terrible storm broke and huge hail stones rained down on the English army. In desperation, King Edward appealed to the Virgin Our Lady of Chartres to end the storm, promising in return to make peace with the French king. Immediately, the hail stopped, the skies cleared and the danger was over for the people of Chartres. It was declared a miracle and Chartres became associated with magical powers from that time on.
