The Battle of Agincourt
One of the best-known of all battles in English history, but not because of the conflict of which it was a part.
1415
King Henry V 1413-1422
One of the best-known of all battles in English history, but not because of the conflict of which it was a part.
1415
King Henry V 1413-1422
Agincourt is not remembered today for its place in the Hundred Years’ War, a dispute over the royal family’s inherited lands in France, which England lost. Thanks to a 1944 movie version, it is remembered as a symbol of Britain’s backs-to-the-wall defence against Nazi Germany, which the Free French helped us to win.
IN 1340, Edward III was persuaded by his Flemish allies to assume the title of ‘King of France’, precipitating the Hundred Years’ War.* Initial success gave way to a truce in 1396, and in 1415 the young Dauphin, Charles, impatiently demanded that Henry V renounce his great-grandfather’s claims, or come over and prove them in battle.*
The warlike Harry set out for Normandy at once.
After landing at Harfleur, Henry made for Calais, at that time an English town. But a French army met him near a castle called Agincourt on October 25th, the feast day of St Crispin.
The French vastly outnumbered the English, were in better health, and had the advantage of cavalry. Yet, the English won. Rain-soaked mud bogged the heavily-armoured French cavalry down, and their ill-discipline contrasted with Henry’s inspirational leadership. But perhaps the most important factor was the English archers with their longbows, at that time a new and deadly weapon, for which the French simply had no answer.
The deeper issue, however, was Aquitaine, a prosperous French province inherited from Henry II’s Queen Eleanor of Aquitain, and a major source of income to the Crown. See The Hundred Years’ War.
** Henry V’s father Henry IV was a son of John of Gaunt. John of Gaunt was a son of Edward III, making Henry V Edward III’s great-grandson.
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Why did Henry take an army to France in 1415?
A French ultimatum goaded him into it.
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
The French soldiers were in good health. There were more of them. The English won.