What Happened at the Battle of Agincourt, 1415? (Video)

At the end of summer in 1415, King Henry V of England initiated his campaign to reclaim the French throne by invading Normandy. The siege of Harfleur proved to be a significant challenge, taking weeks to subdue and resulting in a devastating outbreak of dysentery, which forced a third of his army to return home. Despite these setbacks, Henry V continued his campaign, leading his remaining forces towards Calais.

As the English troops approached their destination, the French army, significantly larger and better supplied, positioned themselves to block Henry’s path. On October 24, 1415, the two armies faced each other near the villages of Tramecourt and Agincourt. That night, the English army, weary and starving, sat in silence under strict orders from their king, preparing for the battle that would follow.

The next morning, the French, confident after a night of revelry, arrayed themselves at the top of a hill. Henry V, recognizing the advantages of his position and the terrain, had his bowmen plant sharpened stakes in front of their lines to impede the French cavalry. As the battle commenced, the English longbowmen unleashed a relentless barrage of arrows, decimating the French cavalry and causing chaos within their ranks.

The French knights, hindered by the muddy terrain and the density of their own forces, struggled to advance. The English, exploiting these conditions, managed to break through and engage in close combat. The battle, lasting only a few hours, resulted in a decisive victory for Henry V. The French suffered catastrophic losses, with thousands of their men killed, while the English casualties were minimal in comparison.

This remarkable triumph, immortalized by William Shakespeare in his play Henry V, showcased the strategic brilliance of Henry V and the indomitable spirit of his soldiers. The Battle of Agincourt remains a symbol of English resilience and military ingenuity.

Top image: The morning of the Battle of Agincourt. Source:  Hohum / Public Domain                        

By Robbie Mitchell