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…
Dan Moorhouse
The Summoner’s Prologue
THE SUMMONER’S PROLOGUE Part of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer 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,”…
The Parson’s Tale
THE PARSON’S TALE Part of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer State super vias et videte et interrogate de viis antiquis, que sit via bona; et ambulate in ea, et inuenietis refrigerium animabus vestris, &c.;…
Sir John Chandos
Sir John Chandos was one of the most important English commanders of the first generations of the Hundred Years War. Closely associated with Edward, the Black Prince, he fought in the major English campaigns from…
The Maker Of This Book Takes His Leave
HERE THE MAKER OF THIS BOOK TAKES HIS LEAVE Part of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Now do I pray all those who hear this little treatise, or read it, that, if there be…
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…
Trial of Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, had been captured by Burgundians at Compiegne in 1430. In a short period of time Joan had convinced nobles and royals that she saw visions and would lead…