Case Studies

Battle of Falkirk (1298)

The nature of warfare changed between the start and end of the medieval period. This is best demonstrated by contrasting the Battle of Falkirk (1298) and the Battle of Agincourt (1415).

1298 - Battle of Falkirk

Edward I (England) vs. William Wallace (Scotland).
Fought in Scotland.

Weapons

Spears.
Longbows.
Cavalry.

Composition

Scottish:
- Schiltrons (rings of 2000 spearmen) – very effective against cavalry charge; held advantage at the top of the hill.
English:
- Cavalry charge (successful – caused Scots to flee).
- Use longbow men to fire at the schiltrons to break the rings.
- Larger army.

Recruitment and training

Use of feudal and general summons.
Edward led his troops in battle – made decisive choices.

Experience of civilians

English infantrymen were usually local farmers. Some were paid (2d a day).
Devastation on population of Scotland – fields and towns burned, looted and destroyed.

Battle of Agincourt (1415)

The nature of warfare changed between the start and end of the medieval period. This is best demonstrated by contrasting the Battle of Falkirk (1298) and the Battle of Agincourt (1415).

1415 - Battle of Agincourt

Henry V (England) vs. Charles d’Arbert (France).
Fought in Agincourt (France).
Decisive victory for England’s longbowmen.

Weapons

French:
- Cavalry, spears, swords, longbow.
English:
- Spears, cavalry, archers (making up 80% of army).

Composition

France:
- Reckless charges forward with infantry.
English:
- Use of longbowmen to attack French cavalry (100,000 arrows per minute).
- English knights jumped off the horses to fight.
- Henry V was brave and tactical.

Recruitment and training

Use of feudal and general summons, but also indentures.
1363 Longbow Law – Edward III – longbow skills are evidenced at Agincourt.

Experience of civilians

Forced to shelter and feed soldiers, requisitioning.

1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500

1.1Medieval Warfare & Society

1.1.1Weapons

1.1.2Composition

1.1.3Recruitment & Training

1.1.4Experience of Civilians

1.1.5Case Studies

1.1.6Change in Medieval Warfare

2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700

2.1Early Modern Warfare & Society

2.1.1Weapons

2.1.2Composition

2.1.3Recruitment & Training

2.1.4Experience of Civilians

2.1.5Case Studies

2.1.6Change in Early Modern Warfare

3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900

3.1The Industrial Period & Warfare

3.1.1Weapons

3.1.2Composition

3.1.3Recruitment & Training

3.1.4Experience of Civilians

3.1.5Case Studies

3.1.6Change in Industrial Period Warfare

4Modern Warfare c.1900-present

4.1Modern Warfare & Society

4.1.1Weapons

4.1.2Composition

4.1.3Recruitment & Training

4.1.4Experience of Civilians

4.1.5Case Studies

4.1.6Change in Modern Warfare

5The Historic Environment

5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45

5.1.1London: A Target

5.1.2Preparations for War

5.1.3The Blitz

5.1.4V1 & V2 Attacks

5.1.5Impact of the Blitz

5.1.6The War Effort

5.1.7The Government

5.1.8The Royal Family

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