1.1.2
Composition
Composition c.1250-1500
Composition c.1250-1500
The composition of an army means its individual parts. This includes looking at the different groups (infantry and cavalry) that make up the army, but also considering their tactics, uniform and strategies.
Size and composition of the armies
Size and composition of the armies
- 1250 - armies ranged from 5000 to 10,000 with an infantry:cavalry ratio of 2:1.
- 1400 - armies were of a similar size, but infantry:cavalry ratio was 3:1.
- Cavalry were typically from the upper ranks in society; positions were given on the basis of social position, rather than ability.
Decline of cavalry
Decline of cavalry
- Nobles often refused to follow command e.g. 1264 Battle of Lewes - Prince Edward’s cavalry ignored instructions.
- 1500 - Dominance of cavalry declined as archers became more significant.
- Majority of knights fought dismounted and most infantry were longbowmen.
Uniform: cavalrymen
Uniform: cavalrymen
- In 1250, chain mail was common.
- Hauberks - chain mail with a hood (coif) that went to the knees.
- This was heavy and expensive.
- By 1300, plate armour was more common, which became full suits of armour by 1420.
Uniform: infantrymen
Uniform: infantrymen
- Wore padded linen (gambesons).
- Wealthier infantry wore short mail skirts.
Strategy and Tactics
Strategy and Tactics
The composition of an army means its individual parts. This includes looking at the different groups (infantry and cavalry) that make up the army, but also considering their tactics, uniform and strategies.
Strategy
Strategy
- Limited warfare:
- Small armies with limited weapons were common.
- Battles were rare - kings would rather pay a ransom than risk dying in battle.
- Communication was limited.
Strategy cont.
Strategy cont.
- Castles:
- Key element of defensive strategy.
Tactics
Tactics
- Cavalry:
- Mounted charge e.g. Battle of Evesham, 1265 - Prince Edward’s cavalry punched through de Montfort’s lines.
- Rout and chase - aimed to disperse infantry in a ‘divide and conquer’ move.
Tactics cont.
Tactics cont.
- Infantry:
- Shield wall.
- Schiltrons - a defensive formation created by huge circles of pikemen (up to 2000 men).
- Difficult for cavalry to penetrate.
- Used commonly by Scottish troops e.g. 1298 Falkirk and 1314 Bannockburn.
- Mêlée - hand-to-hand fighting.
1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500
2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700
3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900
4Modern Warfare c.1900-present
5The Historic Environment
5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45
Jump to other topics
1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500
2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700
3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900
4Modern Warfare c.1900-present
5The Historic Environment
5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45
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