After landing in Normandy, Henry V and the English army besieged the key port of Harfleur. The city fell following a six-week siege.  Henry then decided to carry out a swift dash across France to the English-held fortress-town of Calais. Along the way, the French sought to bring him to battle. On October 24, 1415, near the village of Agincourt, Henry found a massive French army blocking the route to Calais. The English army had no choice except to fight.