Gone Medieval: The Battle of Agincourt – Detailed Summary

Introduction In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Yonega delve deep into the infamous Battle of Agincourt, challenging longstanding narratives and uncovering nuanced perspectives. Joined by Professor Michael Livingston, the discussion aims to dissect the battle's intricacies, its strategic underpinnings, and its enduring legacy.

Background to the Battle The conversation begins with an exploration of the political landscape leading up to the Battle of Agincourt. Dr. Yonega highlights the instability in England following Henry V's accession to the throne, emphasizing his father Henry IV's usurpation and the resulting internal strife:

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [05:20]: "Henry V grows up in this environment and when he takes over, one of the key things he wants to do is, let's get everybody on board."

Henry V's decision to launch a campaign in France in 1415 is portrayed not just as a quest for conquest but as a strategic move to unify a fractured England by redirecting internal tensions outward.

Henry V’s Campaign and Strategy Dr. Yonega commends Henry V's initial strategic planning, noting his astute choice of landing near Harfleur, which caught the French off guard:

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [09:09]: "The initial landing goes great... so, again, it's a really good idea, really good plan."

However, the prolonged siege of Harfleur becomes a costly endeavor for Henry, draining his resources and manpower. The ensuing march toward Calais, initially planned as an eight-day trek, turns into a grueling weeks-long march marked by exhaustion and disease among his troops.

The Battle Itself: Traditional vs. New Perspectives A significant portion of the episode challenges the traditional narrative of the Battle of Agincourt. While popular accounts often depict Henry V's strategic genius in choosing the battleground and the effective use of longbowmen to decimate the French forces, Professor Livingston and Dr. Yonega present alternative viewpoints.

Dr. Yonega disputes the conventional location and sequence of events at Agincourt, suggesting that much of what is popularly believed may not align with historical evidence:

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [31:32]: "There's no way that happened... that can't work. And part of what drives that is a number of things that are driving that story."

The discussion reveals discrepancies in sources regarding troop numbers, battle formations, and the actual location of the clash. They argue that the battlefield's traditional depiction—lined with woods and churned mud favoring the English archers—doesn't hold up under scrutiny, proposing that the battle might have unfolded differently than commonly portrayed.

Execution of Prisoners One of the darker aspects of the Battle of Agincourt addressed in the episode is Henry V's alleged order to execute prisoners of war. Dr. Yonega examines various sources and concludes that while such actions are morally reprehensible, they may have been viewed as tactical necessities in the chaotic aftermath of battle:

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [45:17]: "I call it a mass execution because I don't know what else you would term that as."

The discussion contextualizes these actions within the brutal realities of medieval warfare, debating whether these executions were purely strategic or influenced by immediate threats and the strategic value of prisoners.

Legacy of Agincourt The immediate aftermath of Agincourt didn’t yield a decisive victory but rather set the stage for continued conflict in the Hundred Years' War. Dr. Yonega explains how the battle exacerbated the existing civil war in France, paving the way for further English successes, including the Treaty of Troyes in 1420:

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [58:16]: "It's not decisive in that moment, but it leads to a continuation of the Hundred Years War and a huge shift that sees the English almost winning the Hundred Years War if not for Joan of Arc showing up."

The episode also touches upon the battle's romanticized legacy in English nationalistic narratives and its portrayal in popular culture, notably Shakespeare's Henry V, which has cemented Agincourt as a symbol of English valor against overwhelming odds.

Challenging Established Narratives A recurring theme throughout the episode is the importance of re-examining historical events beyond their mythologized versions. Dr. Yonega emphasizes the need for historians to continually reassess established accounts in light of new evidence and interpretations:

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [37:28]: "That's what history is supposed to do. What we're supposed to be doing is let's look again. Let's check for bias in this way."

This critical approach underscores the episode's objective to provide a more nuanced and evidence-based understanding of Agincourt, moving beyond the glorified tales often recounted in mainstream histories.

Conclusion The episode of Gone Medieval offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the Battle of Agincourt, challenging listeners to reconsider preconceived notions and appreciate the battle's complexity. Through meticulous analysis and expert insights, Matt Lewis, Dr. Eleanor Yonega, and Professor Michael Livingston illuminate the multifaceted nature of this historical event, its strategic intricacies, and its lasting impact on both English and French histories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Eleanor Yonega [05:20]: "Henry V grows up in this environment and when he takes over, one of the key things he wants to do is, let's get everybody on board."

• Dr. Eleanor Yonega [09:09]: "The initial landing goes great... so, again, it's a really good idea, really good plan."

• Dr. Eleanor Yonega [31:32]: "There's no way that happened... that can't work. And part of what drives that is a number of things that are driving that story."

• Dr. Eleanor Yonega [45:17]: "I call it a mass execution because I don't know what else you would term that as."

• Dr. Eleanor Yonega [58:16]: "It's not decisive in that moment, but it leads to a continuation of the Hundred Years War and a huge shift that sees the English almost winning the Hundred Years War if not for Joan of Arc showing up."

• Dr. Eleanor Yonega [37:28]: "That's what history is supposed to do. What we're supposed to be doing is let's look again. Let's check for bias in this way."

This episode encourages a deeper exploration of medieval history, urging listeners to question and analyze the events that have shaped our understanding of the past.