during the hundred years' war, the english made many attacks on the island. they were not able to take it due to the abbey's very good fortifications. the english first attacked the mount in 1423, and then again in 1433. thomas scalles was the leader of the english army. scalles left two wrought iron bombards when he stopped his attack. they are still there today. they are known as "les michelettes". the resistance at mont-saint-michel gave hope to the french, especially joan of arc.