Triumphal Entry into Rouen, 19 January 1419
The Siege of Rouen lasted from July 1418 to January 19th 1419. Henry Vs army had adopted the method of starving the city into submission. Thousands of people were forced from inside the walls but…
La Hire
Etienne de Vignolles (La Hire) La Hire was the common name for Etienne de Vignolles. Born in 1390 he became one of the best known and respected of French military commanders of the 1420s and…
The Summoner’s Prologue
THE SUMMONER’S PROLOGUE High in his stirrups, then, the summoner stood; Against the friar his heart, as madman’s would, Shook like very aspen leaf, for ire. “Masters,” said he, “but one thing I desire; I…
The Parson’s Tale
THE PARSON’S TALE State super vias et videte et interrogate de viis antiquis, que sit via bona; et ambulate in ea, et inuenietis refrigerium animabus vestris, &c.; Our sweet Lord God of Heaven, Who will…
Sir John Chandos
Sir John Chandos Sir John Chandos’ life in many ways mirrors the ambitions and successes of the English, in France. From a noble family who traced their rank and title to their participation in the…
The Maker Of This Book Takes His Leave
HERE THE MAKER OF THIS BOOK TAKES HIS LEAVE Now do I pray all those who hear this little treatise, or read it, that, if there be within it anything that pleases them, they thank…
Surrender of St. Andrews Castle, 28th February 1337
A precursor to the Hundred Years War was Edward IIIs conflict with the Scots. Having achieved his aims in the north, Edward returned to England and soon the diplomatic wranglings with France turned into war.…
Men, Women, Marriage and Power in the Earldom and Duchy of Lancaster, 1265-1399
Men, Women, Marriage and Power in the Earldom and Duchy of Lancaster, 1265-1399 The story of the people in the family of the Earls and Dukes of Lancaster in the period of the Hundred Years…
Evil without numbers
‘Evils without numbers’ This phrase was used on 7th February 1415 by Martin Gourges, Bishop of Chartres and newly appointed Chancellor acting for the Dauphin of France. Gourges used the term in relation to the…
Louis de Sancerre
Louis de Sancerre Louis was the second eldest son of the Count of Sancerre. His father fought and died in the Battle of Crecy. Following his fathers death Louis was educated alongside the children of…