His goal was to draw the French king and the bulk of his forces south to facilitate the main Imperial-led allied invasion of France from the northeast.

Destroying their siege implements, the English hastily withdrew when Prince Louis marched to relieve Roche-au-Moine although they enjoyed a significant numerical superiority.

[4] Nonetheless, when John left for Poitou in February 1214, many barons refused to provide military service; mercenary knights had to fill the gaps.

[5] John's plan was to split Philip's forces by pushing north-east from Poitou towards Paris, and Otto, Renaud and Ferdinand, supported by William Longespée, were to march south-west from Flanders.

He called the feudal levies of Guyenne to reinforce him and marched into Poitou, where he was joined by Hugh IX of Lusignan and by Hervé, Count of Nevers.

Making a great display of his troops, John overran Poitou in March, then crossed the Loire and invaded Anjou, the ancient patrimony of his house.

[5][8] He had lain in front of it for fifteen days when Prince Louis marched to it with his relief army, reinforced by Angevin levies under William des Roches and Amaury I de Craon.