This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

Season 8, Episode 9 — "Henry the Conqueror"

Release Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Dan Jones
Summary by Podcast Summarizer

Episode Overview

This episode, "Henry the Conqueror," plunges into one of Henry V’s defining campaigns: the 1417 invasion of Normandy and the epic siege of Caen. Acclaimed historian Dan Jones delivers a vivid, battle-scarred narrative of England’s aggressive campaign, the personal resolve of Henry V, and the ruthless realities of medieval warfare. The episode also examines themes of historical symmetry, vengeance, and the inexorable, often brutal, consequences of power struggles—what Dan dubs “what goes around comes around.” In parallel, the story tracks the fate of Henry’s old ally-turned-enemy, Sir John Oldcastle.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Stage: The Siege of Caen

• Vivid introduction [03:02]:
  Dan paints a visceral image of English soldiers hauling giant cannons up abbey towers, transforming Caen’s religious landmarks (originally founded by William the Conqueror) into gun platforms.

  • Quote: “The rope burns their hands. Sweat drips down their foreheads and stings their eyes... Their orders have come from no less a figure than Thomas, Duke of Clarence, brother of Henry V...” [03:14]

• The English, under Henry V and brother Thomas, leverage every advantage, targeting Caen—a city both symbolically and strategically significant due to its historical connection to William the Conqueror, Henry’s ancestor.

2. Justice, Vengeance, and Historical Symmetry

• Thematic deep-dive [06:54]:
  Dan explores the cyclical nature of retribution throughout history, comparing Henry’s campaign in Normandy to William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066.

  • Quote: “There’s a certain symmetry to William’s ninth great grandson coming in the other direction 350 years later and giving the Normans a taste of their own medicine.” [10:35]

• The Normans, once conquerors, now face Henry’s army with limited hope of French royal support due to internal divisions (Burgundians vs. Armagnacs).

3. Siege Tactics and Local Reactions

• As Henry approaches, Caen’s leaders attempt to make the city’s suburbs unusable to the invading English, even planning the destruction of William’s great abbeys. Monks and nuns protest, striking a deal to surrender the abbeys peacefully [11:41].
• The English gain key artillery positions, raining relentless fire on Caen for nearly two weeks.

4. Brutality of Medieval Warfare

• Battle narrative [15:32]:
  Dan recounts the gruesome fate of Sir Edmund Springhouse, an English knight set ablaze and thrown from the city walls, illustrating the mercilessness on both sides.

  • Quote: “He’s lit on fire and while he’s burning, he’s hurled off the battlements to his death.” [16:40]

• After breaching Caen’s walls, English troops massacre civilians. “They tear through the streets yelling ‘Clarence!’ and ‘St George!’ as they butcher as many as 2,200 people in a frenzy. Only the churches are spared the looting.” [17:57]

• Henry establishes a new government in Normandy, pausing only to pen a thankful (and triumphal) letter home, ascribing victory to divine favor.

5. The Fate of Sir John Oldcastle

• Political subplot [21:49]:
  As Henry’s war machine rolls on in France, back in England Parliament is in session. An excited messenger brings news of Sir John Oldcastle’s capture near Welshpool after years in hiding.

• Detailed description of Oldcastle’s trial and execution for heresy and rebellion:

  • He is unapologetic before Parliament, swearing allegiance to Richard II, old rival of Henry IV.

  • Quote: “It means nothing to me that I’m being judged by you... he swears allegiance to... Richard II, who he says is alive and well in Scotland.” [22:59]

  • Oldcastle is executed in a particularly brutal fashion—hanged and burned at the same time.

    • Quote: “On it, Oldcastle is hanged with an iron collar... while at the same time a fire is lit under him to burn him. Eventually, the fire licks up and devours both Oldcastle and the gallows he’s chained to.” [24:03]

• His death marks the end of a domestic distraction for Henry, clearing the way for renewed focus on the French campaign.

6. Reflections and Foreshadowing

• With Caen captured and money for the war assured by Parliament, Henry sets his sights on the full conquest of Normandy.
• Dan hints at the dark heart of war—raising questions about how far Henry’s ambition will push him and the lasting consequences.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Henry's aggression:
  “His aim is to head deep into Norman territory and go for a really major scalp somewhere like the city of Caen…” — Dan Jones [07:44]

• On vengeance and historical irony:
  “There’s a certain symmetry to William’s ninth great grandson… giving the Normans a taste of their own medicine…” — Dan Jones [10:35]

• On the severity of the campaign:
  “They tear through the streets yelling Clarence and St George as they butcher as many as 2,200 people in a frenzy.” — Dan Jones [17:57]

• Chronicler's perspective:
  “They defend their walls with what one chronicler calls ‘swords and missiles, spears and stones.’” — Dan Jones [16:04]

• On propaganda and morale:
  “Word of Sir Edmund Springhouse’s gruesome end gets back to England. It’s fuel for war propaganda designed to illustrate the depravity of the inhuman French scum the English are fighting…” — Dan Jones [16:56]

• On executing Oldcastle:
  “It’s an awful way to go, but also ties up a long overdue loose end in Henry’s reign.” — Dan Jones [24:34]

Important Timestamps

• 03:02 — Start of the siege, English troops hoist cannons into abbey towers.
• 06:54 — Thematic exploration: retribution and historical cycles.
• 10:35 — Parallels drawn between William the Conqueror and Henry V.
• 15:32 — Sir Edmund Springhouse enters the fray; brutal violence detailed.
• 17:57 — The bloody sack of Caen: English soldiers rampage.
• 21:49 — Parliament hears news of John Oldcastle’s capture.
• 24:03 — John Oldcastle’s distinctive execution.

Tone and Style

Dan Jones narrates with his signature blend of dry wit and vivid, energetic storytelling, keeping listeners engaged while never flinching from the violence and moral ambiguities of the era. Highlights include gruesome battle details, sharp historical parallels, and commentary on medieval politics and justice, all delivered with scholarly insight and a dash of dark humor.

Conclusion

In “Henry the Conqueror,” Dan Jones not only chronicles a pivotal episode in Henry V’s drive for continental domination but does so with a focus on the cyclical nature of history—revenge, justice, and the unpredictable consequences of power. The fall of Caen and the death of John Oldcastle serve as both milestones in Henry’s reign and cautionary tales about the price of ambition and vengeance. A masterclass in gripping historical narrative, the episode sets the stage for even more dramatic developments in the next chapter of the Plantagenet saga.