Gone Medieval: The Black Prince
History Hit Podcast Episode Released on April 11, 2025
Introduction to the Black Prince
In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis delves deep into the life and legacy of one of England's most enigmatic figures: Edward, the Black Prince. Dr. Eleanor Jaenega, a renowned historian and biographer of the Black Prince, joins Matt to unravel the complexities of his character, military prowess, and the enduring mythos surrounding him.
Early Life and Upbringing
The Black Prince was born in 1330 to King Edward III and Queen Philippa of Hainault, a period marked by political and military turmoil for England. Dr. Jaenega emphasizes the unique bond between the prince and his father, suggesting that Edward III's establishment of his own authority was symbolically reinforced by the prince's birth at the age of 18.
"The birth of his son seems to have been a galvanizing influence... there was a sense of brotherhood in arms." (05:44)
Military Beginnings: The Battle of Crecy
At just 16 years old, the Black Prince made his military debut at the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Dr. Jaenega highlights his role in the vanguard of the English army, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery and tactical acumen despite being vastly outnumbered.
"He really does gain renown in this exceptional English victory in 1346." (22:45)
Strategic Warfare: Chevauchées and Poitiers
The episode explores the Black Prince's involvement in chevauchées, aggressive cavalry raids aimed at disrupting the French economy and demoralizing its populace. These tactics were not only militarily effective but also served as psychological warfare against the French.
His most notable military achievement came at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where his leadership and divine favor were credited for the decisive English victory and the capture of the French King, Jean II.
"He prays and his entourage around him must have been absolutely quiet... and then the extraordinary English force charges, leading to the capture of the French king." (34:50)
Chivalry and Reputation
The Black Prince's participation in tournaments and his role as a founding member of the Order of the Garter cemented his reputation as the epitome of chivalry. Dr. Jaenega discusses how his conduct in both battle and governance reflected the chivalric ideals of the time, making him a beloved figure even among his enemies.
"He was seen as a kind of emblem of how chivalry should be conducted." (46:37)
Controversies: The Siege of Limoges
While celebrated for his valor, the Black Prince's legacy isn't without blemishes. The Siege of Limoges in 1370 is often cited as a dark chapter, where thousands of civilians were killed. However, Dr. Jaenega presents a nuanced view, suggesting that some historical accounts may have exaggerated or misattributed responsibility for these atrocities.
"In my book, I use a variety of chronicle and documentary evidence... to show this is very unlikely to happen." (42:37)
Personal Struggles and Illness
In his later years, the Black Prince faced severe illness, believed to be rectal cancer, which plagued him until his death in 1376. This period marked a decline in his influence and a shift in the political landscape of England, leaving his son, Richard II, to inherit a troubled realm.
"He was a terrible wasting sickness that really becomes evident in that last phase of the war and ultimately forces the prince to leave Aquitaine and come back to England." (48:32)
Legacy and Unfulfilled Potential
Dr. Jaenega posits that the Black Prince would have made an exemplary king had he lived longer, citing his ability to unite the aristocracy and connect with the common people—qualities his son Richard II notoriously lacked. His untimely death left a vacuum that contributed to the eventual downfall of the Plantagenet dynasty.
"I think that he would have needed to have tempered his high principles with a measure of pragmatism... he had the huge gift of binding the aristocracy, binding the governing past, and also reaching out to ordinary people." (53:24)
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Matt Lewis and Dr. Jaenega reflecting on the Black Prince's enduring legacy—a blend of martial prowess, chivalric ideals, and personal tragedy. His life serves as a fascinating study of medieval leadership and the fragile nature of power.
"The Black Prince is sort of removed from any kind of blame for the things that have gone wrong by his early death. And you can hold him up as this great chivalric figure who might have done so much more." (52:48)
Notable Quotes
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Dr. Eleanor Jaenega:
"He was born into a period of uncertainty... a time of dislocation politically and militarily." (05:08)
"The prince is important in terms of his military prowess... he becomes a focal point for chivalrous sentiment." (07:35)
"The first reference in print was in the chronicle of Richard Grafton in about 1572." (11:05)
"He was profoundly influenced by stories of what went well in previous history and military history." (14:50) -
Matt Lewis:
"I can't wait to get stuck into this figure... it's gonna be a name that everybody knows, but how much do you really know about the life and career of the Black Prince?" (04:50)
"The only thing I would really want in terms of honours in my life, if I could be a member of the Order of the Garter, that would be so cool." (06:55)
"Visiting his tomb at Canterbury Cathedral is now on my must-do list!" (54:31)
Timestamps Reference
For ease of reference, notable quotes and sections are linked to their respective timestamps within the episode transcript:
Visit the Black Prince’s Tomb
Matt Lewis encourages listeners to visit the Black Prince’s tomb at Canterbury Cathedral, highlighting it as a testament to his enduring legacy and a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Further Listening
Listeners are invited to explore related episodes in the Gone Medieval catalogue, including discussions on Edward III's personal life and the concluding chapters of the Hundred Years War, featuring experts like Gemma Holman and Jonathan Sumption.
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This summary has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the "The Black Prince" episode, ensuring that both casual listeners and history aficionados gain valuable insights into this pivotal medieval figure.