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Medieval warfare and English society, c1250 to c1500
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Medieval armies reflected the feudal system. New weapons, especially the longbow, began to end the dominance of the mounted knight.
Armies and weapons
Armies had mounted knights (wealthy, heavily armoured), infantry and archers.
The longbow could shoot quickly and a long way, so archers could break up charges.
The Scots used the schiltron: a tight formation of spearmen bristling with long spears, strong against cavalry.
Gunpowder and cannon appeared in the 1300s. Over time the mounted knight declined.
The longbow could shoot quickly and a long way, so archers could break up charges.
The Scots used the schiltron: a tight formation of spearmen bristling with long spears, strong against cavalry.
Gunpowder and cannon appeared in the 1300s. Over time the mounted knight declined.
Recruitment and civilians
Under feudalism, knights owed the king military service in return for land. Kings increasingly paid soldiers by contract.
Archers practised regularly; men were expected to train with the bow.
Civilians paid taxes for war and suffered plunder when armies passed through.
Archers practised regularly; men were expected to train with the bow.
Civilians paid taxes for war and suffered plunder when armies passed through.
Case studies
Falkirk (1298): Edward I defeated William Wallace. English longbowmen shot down the Scottish schiltrons, and then the English cavalry broke them. The Scottish cavalry had left the field.
Agincourt (1415): Henry V defeated a much larger French army. The narrow, muddy field slowed the French knights, and English longbowmen protected by stakes cut them down.
Agincourt (1415): Henry V defeated a much larger French army. The narrow, muddy field slowed the French knights, and English longbowmen protected by stakes cut them down.
Explain why the English won at Agincourt in 1415.
- The French knights were slowed by mud on a narrow field.
- English longbowmen, protected by stakes, shot into the crowded French ranks.
- Henry V chose a strong position and kept his army disciplined.
Answer: Terrain, the longbow and Henry V's leadership.
Knights, infantry and archers; feudal service. Longbow, schiltron, early cannon. Falkirk 1298 (Edward I beat Wallace) and Agincourt 1415 (Henry V).
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