The Battle of Agincourt

In the midst of the Hundred Years' War, King Henry V of England faced a daunting challenge at the Battle of Agincourt on October 25, 1415. With an army of about 6,000 men, primarily longbowmen, he confronted a French force estimated at 20,000 to 25,000, including heavily armored knights. The English longbow, capable of firing up to 12 arrows per minute, proved decisive.

As the battle commenced, Henry ordered his men to plant sharpened stakes to thwart the French cavalry charge. The muddy terrain hampered the French knights, who, despite their numbers, struggled to advance. When they charged, the English longbowmen unleashed a devastating volley, causing chaos among the French ranks.

The English line initially faltered under the weight of the French assault, but they quickly regrouped. The battle devolved into brutal hand-to-hand combat, with Henry himself fighting valiantly. Ultimately, the French lost their nerve and retreated, suffering heavy casualties—estimates suggest 6,000 to 7,000 dead, while the English losses were significantly lower.

In the aftermath, Henry captured several high-ranking French nobles, including the Constable of France. This victory not only solidified Henry's power but also shifted the balance of the war, leading to future treaties that would alter the course of English and French history. The Battle of Agincourt became a legendary tale of courage and strategy, showcasing the effectiveness of the English longbow and the resilience of a determined king.