He made a secret deal with Sir Geoffrey de Charny, a French knight, to sell Calais for 20,000 écus (approximately £4,800,000 in 2025 terms[note 1]).
After Edward took possession of Calais on 4 August 1347, he negotiated a treaty with Philip VI of France on 28 September under the mediation of the Pope, which truce was set to expire on 8 July 1348, but was subsequently continued until 1355.
[2] Edward appointed Amery of Pavy captain of Calais and ordered the restoration of the city's fortifications while he returned to England, landing at Sandwich on 12 October 1347.
Amery received his payment of 20,000 crowns from Geoffrey and led his advance company of 12 knights and 100 archers into Edward's awaiting trap in the tower of Calais castle.
This rare example of historically attested heraldic abatement was recorded by Sir George Mackenzie: "And Edward the Third of England ordained two of six stars which a gentleman had in his arms to be effaced, because he had sold a seaport of which he was made governor.