A Soldiers' Chronicle of the Hundred Years War: College of Arms Manuscript M 9

An unpublished chronicle from the mid-fifteenth century, written by two soldiers, Peter Basset and Christopher Hanson, covers the English campaigns in France from 1415 to 1429. It includes many lists of individuals serving in the war and records their presence at battles, naming over 700. The chronicle was extensively used in the sixteenth century by several heralds and by Edward Hall and had an influence on Shakespeare. It is the only known fifteenth-century account of the war written in England in French, adding an important linguistic dimension to its study.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

A remarkable and highly significant unpublished chronicle, penned by two soldiers, delves into the English campaigns in France from 1415 to 1429 in exquisite detail. This chronicle, which was specifically crafted for Sir John Fastolf, the English commander, stands as a testament to the era's historical significance. Authored by Peter Basset and Christopher Hanson, two soldiers who bore firsthand witness to the events, the chronicle offers a unique perspective on the conflicts. Notably, William Worcester, the secretary to Sir John, also played a role in its composition. The chronicle's content is particularly noteworthy, as it includes extensive lists of individuals who served in the war, providing a comprehensive account of their presence at various battles. Impressively, over half of these individuals hailed from France or Scotland, indicating the authors' profound knowledge of French military participation. The narrative is particularly valuable for its detailed mapping of the war's progress, with approximately 230 place names mentioned throughout. This meticulous attention to detail sheds light on the intricacies of the English campaigns in Maine, particularly during the 1420s, when Sir John Fastolf played a pivotal role. The chronicle's influence extended far and wide, as it was extensively utilized by several heralds and by Edward Hall during the sixteenth century. As a result, it exerted a profound impact on the works of Shakespeare, with the death of the earl of Salisbury at Orleans in Henry VI Part I closely following the chronicle's narrative. Furthermore, the Salisbury narrative found in The Mirror for Magistrates is also derived from the chronicle, further underscoring its significance in shaping historical understanding.

Weight: 848g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843846192