The Battle Of Agincourt
Overcoming The Odds
The Battle of Agincourt took place on October 25 1415 as part of the Hundred Years’ War – a series of territorial conflicts and French throne disputes that took place between England and France over 116 years. The battle stands out as a testament to the military innovation and tactics that enabled 6,000-9,000 English troops to triumph over 20,000 French soldiers.
Inspired Leadership
King Henry V, who was known for his military strategy, ability to inspire his troops and build morale, led the English side. Henry’s men were already exhausted and weakened by casualties and disease from a recent battle, but despite this he made the bold decision to face the French on the battlefield. He led by example, fighting alongside his men to inspire them to victory.
Tactical Terrain
The terrain played an important part in the outcome of the battle. The battle ground itself was sandwiched between two forests, creating a narrow stretch of land. This reduced the effectiveness of the French numbers and forced them to fight in a confined space of less than 700 metres. It also meant the English troops could not be flanked. The ground was also soft with recent heavy rain that made for extremely muddy conditions, another factor which would prove to be of great importance.
Iconic Weapons
One of the most prominent weapons of the battle of Agincourt was the use of the English longbow. Positioned behind wooden stakes, the majority of Henry’s army were light armoured longbowmen. The French army on the other hand, consisted of heavily armoured knights and mounted cavalry, which was typical of medieval French warfare. Due to the muddy conditions, the French were weighed down, making their planned cavalry charges ineffective and easy targets for the English bowmen, who rained arrows down on their advancements.
Legacy Of The Battle Of Agincourt
The battle lasted for several hours and eventually ended in a decisive victory for England. Thousands of French soldiers were killed while English losses were low – estimated at less than 500 men. Fearing that released French prisoners of war could rally together and rise up against him, King Henry V controversially ordered their execution.
The victory solidified Henry V’s reputation, leading to the Treaty of Troyes in 1420, where he was named heir to the French throne. The battle of Agincourt had a large impact on French aristocracy, where many of their nobility were killed during the battle. The event has now become immortalised in history as the triumph of the outnumbered English over the overconfident French and even inspired William Shakespeare to write his play Henry V, with its famous St. Crispin’s Day speech.
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Gavin Crewe is a regular contributor of informative articles to Oxford Home Schooling.
