Podcast Summary: How Warhorses Transformed Medieval England

History Extra Podcast
Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Spencer Mizzen
Guests: Robert Lydiard (Professor of History, University of East Anglia), Oliver H. Crichton (Professor of Archaeology, University of Exeter)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the decisive role of warhorses in shaping medieval English history, with special focus on the military, cultural, and social impact of elite steeds from the Norman conquest to the rise of the Tudor dynasty. Through the expertise of Robert Lydiard and Oliver H. Crichton, listeners delve into everything from battlefield tactics to breeding programs and the iconic status of horses, culminating in reflections on horse-driven identity and status throughout the medieval period.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Strategic Role of Cavalry at the Battle of Hastings

[02:24–05:17]

• Norman Cavalry Superiority:
  The maneuverability of William the Conqueror’s cavalry at Hastings was pivotal. The English army held a static position, whereas the Normans used their horses for flexibility and mobility.
  • Robert Lydiard:

    “War horses of William's army provide mobility on the battlefield in a way that Harold's forces simply haven't got... The possession of trained cavalry allow William to have tactical options and flexibility.” (03:07)

  • William’s personal intervention on horseback, as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, allowed him to visibly rally his troops.
• Combined Arms Approach:
  Normans didn’t rely solely on direct cavalry charges but coordinated horsemen with archers to break English lines.

2. Evolution and Origins of Cavalry in Northern Europe

[05:17–08:18]

• Anglo-Saxon & Viking Use:
  • Horses were familiar but mainly for transport and post-battle pursuit, not as shock troops in formation.
  • The English faced cavalry from opponents like the Welsh but didn’t train to fight mounted as the Normans did.
• Technological Innovations:
  • The stirrup revolutionized mounted combat, introduced to Europe via steppe peoples and widely adopted in the Viking Age.
  • Oliver H. Crichton:

    “An absolutely crucial innovation in all this is the stirrup... imported from the east, probably ultimately from China in the 6th century.” (08:18)

3. Transformation of Warfare: Diversity of Horse Types

[10:20–12:46]

• Heavier and Lighter Cavalry:
  Over the centuries, warhorses evolved—becoming heavier (armored destriers) and diversifying into types like the lighter, agile “hobby” horses used for scouting and raiding.
• Endurance and Campaign Logistics:
  The “courser” breed emerged for sustained campaigns (e.g. John of Gaunt's chevauchée, 1373—a 900-mile mounted raid across France).
  • Robert Lydiard:

    “In the 14th century, we really see the rise of a particular type of animal called a Courser... for endurance rather than sheer power.” (11:42)

4. Anti-Cavalry Tactics: Bannockburn and the Myth of Mounted Invincibility

[12:46–15:21]

• Scottish Schiltron Formation:
  At Bannockburn (1314), Robert the Bruce’s pike-armed formations neutralized Edward II's heavy cavalry, aided by difficult terrain and anti-cavalry traps.
  • Oliver H. Crichton:

    “It’s basically a hedge-like phalanx of spears... used very specifically as an anti-cavalry device.” (13:21)

• Combined Arms Revisited:
  Success relied on combined use of infantry and ranged troops; cavalry alone was not invincible.

5. Breeding and Maintenance of Elite Warhorses

[17:02–21:25]

• Royal Stud Networks:
  Medieval kingdoms, like England, maintained expensive government-run horse breeding operations with detailed care regimes.
  • Horses trained for years (up to 7) before becoming war-ready.
  • Robert Lydiard:

    “The English Crown, for example, has a network of about a dozen horse studs across the kingdom... it’s absolutely the same in the Middle Ages.” (17:24)

• Logistics & Medical Care:
  Supplying horses on campaign involved large-scale procurement ("purveyance") often resented by locals. Medical innovations included orthopaedic horseshoes.
  • Oliver H. Crichton:

    “Orthopaedic horseshoes... for a horse with a damaged hoof... giving insight into the incredible medical care that's afforded to horses.” (21:25)

6. Horses as Status Symbols and Cultural Icons

[21:57–27:48]

• Visual and Literary Representation:
  Warhorses featured prominently in art, tomb sculpture, household objects, and especially medieval Romance literature.
  • Horses were given names and personalities, becoming intertwined with knightly identity and chivalric ideals (e.g., Chanson de Roland).
• Economic and Social Value:
  • The destrier was the “Lamborghini” of the Middle Ages.
  • Oliver H. Crichton:

    “Destriers cost... between 25, 30, maybe up to 50 pounds. The most expensive horse that we’ve found a reference to is a horse worth £200.” (26:36)

  • A destrier’s cost could equal a lifetime’s wages for an unskilled laborer.

7. The Impact of Gunpowder and Later Medieval Warfare

[27:48–29:56]

• Firearms & Changing Tactics:
  Contrary to popular belief, gunpowder didn’t immediately make cavalry obsolete on European battlefields.
  • Heavy cavalry remained in use well after the introduction of firearms, especially in ceremonial contexts.
  • Robert Lydiard:

    “We just need to be a bit careful of assuming that the advent of gunpowder weapons means the decline of cavalry per se.” (28:21)

  • Tournaments and display became primary uses for elite horses in later centuries.

8. Wars of the Roses & the Diminishing Role of Cavalry

[29:56–31:57]

• Infantry Dominance:
  Both sides in these civil wars fielded similar forces (notably many archers); leaders preferred to fight on foot, as at the Battle of Towton.
  • Oliver H. Crichton:

    “Leaders dismount from their horses to fight it out on foot in these absolutely brutal slugfests.” (30:34)

• Bosworth as a Throwback:
  Richard III’s dramatic cavalry charge at Bosworth was an anomaly by the late 15th century.

9. Henry VIII, Jousting Accidents & the End of an Era

[31:57–34:42]

• Jousting Mishap & Personality Change:
  Henry VIII’s famous accident sidelined him from riding and possibly contributed to his later tyrannical behavior.
  • Robert Lydiard:

    “You do kind of wonder—he can no longer participate in his favourite sport. Does this lead him to be one of the steps... to him becoming a tyrant?” (32:24)

• Horse Armour Archaeology:
  Investigations (e.g., the War Horse Project) uncovered that Henry’s horses were among the largest, reinforcing royal image.
  • Oliver H. Crichton:

    “We measured and analyzed... many chaperons... the biggest we found was related to one of Henry VIII's horses.” (34:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The horse gives a warrior the speed to move in, to engage the enemy quickly, maybe to surprise them... but psychologically, the fact the warrior is elevated above his enemies gives that individual great psychological advantage.” — Oliver H. Crichton (08:18)
• “It is absolutely extraordinary... you’re talking about seven years, five to seven years from birth to actually being a functioning... war horse.” — Robert Lydiard (17:24)
• “Destriers... could be worth 160 and 200 times more than a pack horse... about six, eight years in the wages of a skilled labourer.” — Oliver H. Crichton (27:16)
• “Firearms didn’t make cavalry redundant overnight. Of course, neither of them is quite true. Neither became obsolete overnight as a result of gunpowder weaponry.” — Oliver H. Crichton (27:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Battle of Hastings & Norman Cavalry: 02:24–05:17
• Early Use & Development of Cavalry: 05:17–08:18
• Cavalry and Horse Types Evolve: 10:20–12:46
• Battle of Bannockburn Anti-Cavalry Tactics: 12:46–15:21
• Training and Breeding Elite Warhorses: 17:02–21:25
• Cultural Status of Horses: 21:57–27:48
• Gunpowder and Cavalry’s Decline: 27:48–29:56
• Wars of the Roses and Diminished Cavalry Role: 29:56–31:57
• Henry VIII, Jousting, and Horse Armour: 31:57–34:42

Conclusion

This episode painted a rich, accessible portrait of warhorse history—demystifying the reality of medieval cavalry, spotlighting the immense resources required to cultivate elite horses, and tracing their evolving symbolism from battlefield mainstay to courtly icon. The discussions also blended archaeology, economic history, and cultural trends, offering fresh angles on iconic battles and medieval social hierarchy.