Henry of Lancaster's expedition to Aquitaine, 1345-46

The Boydell Press

2016

XIV-373 p.

Warfare in history ; 42

9781783271177

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

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, at Bergerac and then Auberoche. 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: the portrayal 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 a reassessment of Lancaster's importance as a captain, administrator and diplomat, and above all, as a successful military commander.

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