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.
