Henry V (1386/87–1422) stands as one of England’s most formidable monarchs, a ruler whose military brilliance, political acumen, and charismatic leadership secured his place in history. Best remembered for his stunning victory at Agincourt in 1415, Henry reshaped the course of the Hundred Years’ War and became the archetype of the medieval warrior-king. Though his reign lasted less than a decade, his legacy endures as a symbol of courage, strategy, and national pride.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Born at Monmouth Castle in Wales, Henry was the eldest son of Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV) and Mary de Bohun. His upbringing was steeped in martial training and governance, preparing him for kingship amid the turbulent politics of Lancastrian England.
His first true test came at the Battle of Shrewsbury (1403), where, as a 16-year-old prince, he faced rebel forces led by Henry “Hotspur” Percy. It was here that he suffered a near-fatal arrow wound to the face, an injury that would become a defining moment in his legend.
“The prince, though grievously hurt in the face with an arrow, refused to leave the field and fought on with relentless spirit.”
– Chronicles of Jean de Wavrin
Upon his father’s death in 1413, Henry ascended the throne, inheriting a kingdom rife with rebellion and financial strain. His response was swift and decisive, crushing dissent and turning his ambitions toward France.
Arms and Armour
Henry V’s battlefield prowess was matched by the quality of his arms and armour, typical of the early 15th century.
Armour:
- Bascinet with Visor: A rounded steel helmet with a pivoting visor, often accompanied by a chainmail aventail for neck protection.
- Plate Harness: Full-body steel plating, including pauldrons (shoulder guards) and couters (elbow guards), offering superior defence against arrows and melee weapons.
- Surcoat: A fabric garment worn over armour, often emblazoned with royal heraldry.
Weapons:
- Longsword: A double-edged blade for cutting and thrusting, likely similar to the Type XV or XVI classifications.
- Dagger (Rondel): Used for close combat and finishing wounded foes.
- Poleaxe: A versatile weapon combining an axe blade, hammer, and spike, favoured by knights for its crushing power.
“The king’s harness was of the finest Milanese make, his sword sharp as justice itself.”
– Description from the Agincourt Roll
His armour would have been meticulously crafted, reflecting both practicality and regal status – essential for inspiring troops and surviving the chaos of battle.
The Battle of Shrewsbury: A Near-Fatal Wound
The Battle of Shrewsbury (1403) was a brutal clash between royal forces and rebellious nobles. During the fighting, Prince Henry was struck in the face by an arrow, the bodkin point embedding deep in his cheekbone.
The Injury:
- The arrowhead penetrated nearly six inches, narrowly missing his brain and major arteries.
- Extraction was perilous; royal physicians devised a special tool to remove the arrow without causing fatal damage.
- The wound left a permanent scar, a visible mark of his battlefield endurance.
“The prince’s face was pierced, yet he endured the pain without cry or complaint, proving his mettle before all.”
– Thomas Walsingham, Historia Anglicana
This injury became a cornerstone of Henry’s reputation, proof of his resilience and willingness to lead from the front.
Major Battles and Campaigns
The Battle of Agincourt (1415)
Henry’s most legendary triumph, where his outnumbered English forces decimated a far larger French army.
- Tactics: Muddy terrain and disciplined longbowmen neutralised the French cavalry.
- Aftermath: Thousands of French nobles were slain or captured, shifting the war’s momentum decisively in England’s favour.
“Here was a king who fought not from afar but in the thick of the fray, his sword red with the blood of France.”
– Enguerrand de Monstrelet, chronicler
The Siege of Rouen (1418–1419)
A gruelling six-month blockade that starved the city into submission, cementing English control over Normandy.
Character and Reputation
Henry V was a paradox – pious yet ruthless, a scholar of governance yet a master of war.
- Leadership: He shared hardships with his men, earning fierce loyalty.
- Justice: Harsh against rebels but fair in administration.
- Legacy in Literature: Shakespeare immortalised him in Henry V, crafting the iconic “Band of Brothers” speech.
“He was the very lion of England, feared by his foes and beloved by his soldiers.”
– *Titus Livius, 15th-century biographer*
Death and Legacy
Henry died suddenly in 1422, likely of dysentery, while campaigning in France. His infant son, Henry VI, inherited two crowns but could not maintain his father’s conquests, leading to England’s eventual loss of French territories.
Yet, Henry V endures as a national icon, a king who, for a brief and glorious moment, made England the dominant power in Europe.
“No king of England left so great a name in so short a time.”
– Polydore Vergil, Tudor historian
Where to See Henry V’s Legacy Today
- Westminster Abbey, London: His tomb and funeral achievements.
- British Museum, London: Manuscripts and weaponry from his reign.
- Royal Armouries, Leeds: Armour akin to that worn at Agincourt.
- Monmouth Castle, Wales: Exhibits on his early life.
Henry V remains the definitive warrior-king, a figure of legend, whose life and battles continue to captivate centuries later.
Watch the documentary:
