This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Season 6, Episode 10: The Black Prince
Host: Sony Music Entertainment
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Introduction
In the tenth episode of Season 6, titled "The Black Prince," historian Dan Jones delves deep into the tumultuous era of the Plantagenet dynasty, focusing on one of its most formidable and complex figures: Edward, the Black Prince. This episode masterfully intertwines power, betrayal, and warfare, shedding light on how the actions of this singular individual significantly influenced the course of European history.
The Rise of the Black Prince
The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of the Black Prince's ruthless military campaigns in Gascony. In the autumn of 1355, Prince Edward, at just 25 years old, orchestrates the burning of the village of Moncler as part of his chevauche strategy—a mounted blitzkrieg aimed at terrorizing the French countryside through murder, rape, theft, and arson. Jones describes Edward's methodical approach to devastation:
"The Black Prince has a frightening capacity for violence, and this sort of thing is right up his street." ([00:24])
Edward's tactics are not merely for destruction but serve a strategic purpose: to weaken French resistance and compel submission. With a force of around 6,000 men divided into three flying columns, the Prince executes a maelstrom of destruction spanning 40 miles in a matter of weeks, leaving a trail of scorched earth from Bordeaux to the Mediterranean.
The French Counterpart: King John II
As Edward wages his campaigns, the episode introduces King John II of France, Philip VI's eldest son, who ascends the French throne following his father's death in 1350. Unlike his predecessor, John II is depicted as an extravagant and socially inclined monarch, more interested in hosting lavish gatherings than in effective governance:
"John II of France doesn't have the political nous to go along with his flashy lifestyle." ([08:13])
John's reign is immediately beset by internal strife and external threats. The Black Death ravages France, crippling public finances and exacerbating public discontent due to exorbitant taxation. Additionally, John's inability to manage his court leads to scandal and betrayal, notably the assassination of his favorite, Carlos de la Cerda, further destabilizing his rule.
Escalation of the Hundred Years' War
By 1356, the tension between England and France reaches a boiling point. Edward III ramps up his efforts, dispatching his cousin, Henry Grosmont, the Duke of Lancaster, with a formidable army to invade Normandy. Concurrently, the Black Prince intensifies his chevauche, wreaking havoc across the southwest of France. The dual assault aims to stretch French defenses thin and provoke a decisive confrontation.
Edward III's strategy includes a bold proposal to John II, offering peace in exchange for vast territorial concessions:
"Edward is telling John to hand over a third of France if he wants the nightmare of this war to end." ([08:13])
John II, perceiving the offer as an affront, rejects it, leading to an inevitable clash between the two monarchs.
The Prelude to Poitiers
The narrative builds towards the Battle of Poitiers, a pivotal clash in the Hundred Years' War. The Black Prince, despite his seasoned experience, faces logistical challenges that prevent the merging of his forces with Lancaster's army. Concurrently, King John II amasses an army reportedly double the size of Edward's, setting the stage for a monumental showdown.
On September 18, 1356, the Black Prince finds himself strategically vulnerable near the River Loire. His forces are exhausted and outnumbered, yet his reputation as a battle-hardened commander underpins his resolve:
"The Black Prince has also been fighting for a decade... he knows that a big part of fighting is keeping your cool and maintaining your game face." ([17:02])
Despite the daunting odds, the Prince attempts to negotiate a truce facilitated by a church cardinal. However, the French king's refusal to relent leads to inevitable combat.
The Battle of Poitiers
The climactic battle unfolds on September 19, 1356. Positioned atop a hill with a forest as a natural barrier, the Black Prince's forces face King John II's vast army. The French, emboldened by their numbers, launch a full-scale assault:
"The French have ridden right around the battlefield in two separate groups..." ([17:02])
The English longbowmen play a decisive role, decimating the French cavalry repeatedly. As chaos ensues, King John II's forces begin to falter, with key figures like the Dauphin fleeing the battlefield. In a desperate bid for victory, the Black Prince maintains his composure, even as his men approach exhaustion and depletion.
Tragically, King John II meets his demise on the battlefield, captured amidst the carnage—a testament to the ferocity and futility of medieval warfare. The battle not only signifies a strategic victory for England but also marks a turning point in the Hundred Years' War, highlighting the effectiveness of English military tactics over traditional French methods.
Conclusion
"The Black Prince" episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Edward III's son, whose military prowess and strategic acumen had lasting impacts on both England and France. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, Dan Jones paints a vivid picture of a dynasty teetering on the brink of transformation, shaped by the ambitions and follies of its rulers.
As the episode concludes, listeners are left contemplating the intricate dance of power, legacy, and the human cost of war that defined the Plantagenet dynasty's reign.
Notable Quotes
-
[00:24]
"The Black Prince has a frightening capacity for violence, and this sort of thing is right up his street."
— Historian Dan Jones -
[08:13]
"John II of France doesn't have the political nous to go along with his flashy lifestyle."
— Historian Dan Jones -
[17:02]
"The Black Prince has also been fighting for a decade... he knows that a big part of fighting is keeping your cool and maintaining your game face."
— Historian Dan Jones
Further Listening
To continue exploring the gripping saga of the Plantagenet dynasty and the intricate dynamics of medieval Europe, tune into the next episode of "This is History: A Dynasty to Die For." Stay engaged with Sony Music Entertainment's production for more compelling historical narratives brought to life through expert storytelling.
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