Carpe Librum

I have done little besides enjoy FutureLean courses this week, but now I am all caught up. The first week of Agincourt was interesting and largely based upon the work of the main instructor, Anne Curry.

This course started with a detailed timeline of the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), which may have bored those who have already studied this era, but I thought it was a good way to set the foundation for this event. Tracing relations with France back to the intermingling of nobles when William the Conqueror invaded England, the causes of Henry V's eventual invasion were clarified.

After this overview, more detailed information was covered such as how to raise a medieval army, how much soldiers were paid, what weaponry and armour they wore, and how this was all transported across the channel. Each of these topics is covered rather lightly but with additional resources recommended for in depth research if desired.

I most enjoyed the discussion of the Southampton Plot between the Earl of Cambridge, Henry Scrope (which I learned is pronounced 'scroop'), Thomas Grey, and Edmund Mortimer, the Earl of March who had a greater claim to the throne than his cousin, Henry V. I did not have much previous knowledge of this, but see great novel potential in the personalities and motivations between these four.

Another interesting resource shared: MedievalSoldier.org where you can search a database of medieval muster rolls.