Context: The Hundred Years’ War
Nearly 350 years after the fall of Anglo-Saxon England, a different kind of war ravaged the land—this time between two rival royal houses: the House of Plantagenet (England) and the House of Valois (France). The Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) was a dynastic conflict over claims to the French crown, territorial rights, and political control in medieval Europe.
By the early 15th century, the war had become a prolonged, draining conflict. The English monarchy, now in the hands of the Lancastrian dynasty, was looking to restore its prestige.
Henry V: The Warrior King
Henry V (r. 1413–1422), one of the most celebrated of England’s medieval monarchs, came to power with a determination to revive England’s fortunes in France. He was young, pious, ambitious, and disciplined—a stark contrast to his wayward youth. Henry’s claim to the French throne was rooted in familial ties through the Plantagenet line, but more importantly, it was a matter of honor and statecraft.
In 1415, Henry launched an invasion of France, landing at Harfleur. After a difficult siege, disease-ridden and with a depleted army, he made the fateful decision to march toward Calais, a dangerous move that led to the confrontation at Agincourt.
The Battle of Agincourt – October 25, 1415
The Battle of Agincourt took place on St. Crispin’s Day, near the village of Azincourt in northern France. The English army, estimated at around 6,000–9,000 men, mostly longbowmen, faced a far superior French force of about 20,000–30,000, consisting largely of armored knights and men-at-arms.
Despite being heavily outnumbered and exhausted, the English held a strong defensive position. The battlefield was narrow and muddy from recent rains, which played into Henry’s hands. The French knights were forced into a tight funnel, where their movements were hampered and chaotic.
English longbowmen unleashed devastating volleys that decimated the advancing French cavalry and infantry. The French charge collapsed into confusion. The muddy ground and weight of armor caused many French soldiers to fall and be trampled. Those who reached the English lines were quickly cut down. Thousands of French nobles were killed or captured.It was a catastrophic defeat for France and a legendary victory for England. shutdown123