First full-length study of the campaigns led by Henry of Lancaster in Aquitaine, including a detailed biographical study of the individuals involved.

First full-length study of the campaigns led by Henry of Lancaster in Aquitaine, including a detailed biographical study of the individuals involved.


In 1345 Henry of Lancaster, earl of Derby - the most prominent soldier, diplomat and statesman of his generation - led an English royal army to the duchy of Aquitaine and inflicted two devastating defeats on the French royal forces. These were the first decisive victories for either side, and swung the course of the Hundred Years' War dramatically in England's favour. The remarkable success of the expedition, however, has been overshadowed in history by Edward III's more celebrated victory at Crécy the following year.

This reassessment of a neglected campaign draws on a wealth of original source material to furnish an examination of the campaign "in the round"; recruitment, preparations and financial administration, as well as its events and achievements, are examined closely. A detailed biographical study of the individuals who took up arms under Lancaster's command forms a main part of this work: theportrayal of hundreds of careers in arms allows us to glean a sense of what life was like for soldiers in this army and in the later Middle Ages in general. An investigation of the men's martial experience, motivations for service and personal military networks provides an understanding of how and, indeed, why the army was so effective in the field of war. It also reveals much about the emergence of professionalism in English medieval armies and offers areassessment of Lancaster's importance as a captain, administrator and diplomat, and above all, as a successful military commander.



NICHOLAS A. GRIBIT gained his PhD from the University of Leeds.

Introduction

Henry of Lancaster and the English Expedition to Aquitaine, 1345-46

English and Welsh Soldiers: Troop Types in Lancaster's Army

Raising an Army: Recruitment and Composition

Paying an Army: Financial Administration

The Twin Victories: The First Campaign, 1345

Siege and Conquest by Sword: The Second Campaign, 1346

Lancaster's War Retinue in 1345: Formation and Structure

Lancaster's War Retinue in 1345: Cohesion and Stability

An Era of Military Professionalism: Careers and Patterns of Service

Conclusion

Appendix A: Transcription and Translation of Lancaster's Indenture

Appendix B: Prosopographical Catalogue of Men in Lancaster's Retinue