Henry of Lancaster`s Expedition to Aquitaine, 13 - Military Service and Professionalism in the Hundred Years War

A reassessment of Henry of Lancaster's campaigns in Aquitaine in 1345, which inflicted two devastating defeats on the French royal forces at Bergerac and Auberoche. This study examines the campaign in the round, including recruitment, preparations, financial administration, and the individuals involved. A detailed biographical study of the soldiers provides insight into their lives and military experience, and reveals the emergence of professionalism in English medieval armies. Lancaster's importance as a captain, administrator, and diplomat is also reassessed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Here is the rephrased text:

The Hundred Years' War was a pivotal period in European history marked by intense warfare and political maneuvering. One of the most significant campaigns during this time was the one led by Henry of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, in Aquitaine. This study aims to reassess 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. His objective was to inflict two devastating defeats on the French royal forces, at Bergerac and then Auberoche. These were the first decisive victories for either side in the Hundred Years' War, and they swung the course of the war dramatically in England's favor.

The remarkable success of the expedition 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 are examined closely, as well as the events and achievements of the campaign.

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 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.

In conclusion, this study provides a fresh perspective on the campaigns led by Henry of Lancaster in Aquitaine. It sheds light on a neglected campaign that had a significant impact on the course of the Hundred Years' War. Through a detailed biographical study of the individuals involved, it offers a deeper understanding of the lives of soldiers in this army and in the later Middle Ages. The investigation of the men's martial experience, motivations for service, and personal military networks provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of English medieval armies and the emergence of professionalism in the military. Finally, the reassessment of Lancaster's importance as a captain, administrator, and diplomat offers a fresh perspective on his legacy as a military commander.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276431