Hotspur: Henry Percy: Medieval Rebel

This book provides a detailed and readable account of the life of Henry Percy, nicknamed 'Hotspur,' and his role in the English Civil Wars. It explores his military career, his relationships with key figures, and his tragic downfall at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in medieval history!




Medieval History Magazine has praised it as a detailed and readable account of Hotspur's life, conveying a sense of the endemic violence of the Border Marches. Northern History has also commended Boardman's study, which combines knowledge of terrain, weapons, and tactics with contemporary narratives to produce feasible reconstructions and explanations of what actually occurred. Michael Hicks has further praised Boardman's work, stating that he has studied the battlefields of Otterburn, Homildon Hill, and Shrewsbury and combines knowledge of terrain, weapons, and tactics with contemporary narratives to produce feasible reconstructions and explanations of what actually occurred.




Henry Percy, nicknamed 'Hotspur,' is among the most well-known of all Shakespeare's warlike characters. As the young, honorable, but impatient rebel soldier whose chivalrous exploits on the battlefield end in disaster at Shrewsbury in 1403, Hotspur is the archetypal anti-hero: a character of such tragic and dramatic significance that even his well-known nickname has passed from history into legend. But who was the historical Henry Percy, and why did his rise to fame bring him into direct confrontation with his king?




This fully updated book tells the story of the real Henry Percy and his overbearing family, and how the survival of a great northern dynasty led to open rebellion and ultimately military failure. It explores the political and social context of the 15th century, including the Wars of the Roses, and provides a detailed account of Hotspur's life and career. The book also sheds light on the role of the Percy family in the English Civil Wars and their contribution to the development of the English nation.




In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in medieval history, and it provides a valuable insight into the life and career of one of England's most iconic historical figures.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 199 x 129 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803991658
Edition number: New ed