Between 1347 and 1558, Calais was an important outpost of English rule in France. Many English merchants settled in the town and intermarried with the local population. Most of the senior administrative posts were occupied by Englishmen, many of whom were not resident in Calais. The king's lieutenant was in charge of the daily governance of Calais, while the military commander was the high marshal. Other, more junior, posts were occupied by local people. When Calais surrendered to French forces in January 1558, most citizens decided to remain rather than accompany the English garrison into exile. Calais's capture marked the end of almost five hundred years of English rule in France.
