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The Triumph of the Longbow

The Longbow was the key weapon of its period and dominated battles in the medieval world: the ‘Triumph’ of the Longbow was that it often tipped the balance in battle, leading to victory. This tour, led by Dr Michael Jones, a leading expert, looks at the role of the Longbow in the Battle of Agincourt and Battle of Crecy.

Tour Includes

3 nights hotel with continental breakfast
3 evening meals
Specialist Historical Guide
Convenient local joining points
Travel by executive coach

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The first major victory of the ‘Hundred Years War’ was the Battle of Crècy (August 1346). After a month of destruction and plunder, dismounted English Men at Arms and skilled archers, who had honed their skills in battles with the Scots and Welsh, repulsed the charges of the French knights. The losses of the heavily armoured cavalry were so heavy that the remnants were forced to withdraw. The defeat of the chivalry of France signalled the end of the dominance of the mounted knight and sent shockwaves throughout Europe. Some 70 years later the English, led by their King Henry V, met the French army in the autumn of 1415. The might of the English longbow, wielded by the skilled archers, was once more demonstrated on the legendary field of Agincourt. Against all odds, small and outnumbered English armies defeated their French opponents owing, in no small part, to the dominance of their devastatingly effective weapon – the longbow. We will explore both battlefields in depth and take the opportunity not only to discuss the weapons and tactics employed by both sides, but to witness their implementation as demonstrated before us on the field of Agincourt itself. We will hear the story of the fighting men on both sides and visit the castle of the French Master of the Crossbowmen who was killed at Agincourt. Your guide is historian Dr Michael Jones, who has written a well-received book on the Agincourt campaign and battle, 24 Hours of Agincourt (WH Allen).

Local departure by coach, then to Abbeville in Northern France for a three night stay.

Includes Dinner

This morning we travel to Le Crotoy, where the English imprisoned Jeanne d’Arc prior to her execution. Following a break for lunch we spend the afternoon visiting the XV Century castle at Rambures. Built during the 100 years war, we see the castle's unique architecture and explore the wonderful garden.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Le Crotoy XV Century Castle

Drive to the Field of Agincourt. Surprisingly the battlefield itself has changed little, with the ‘funnel’ formed by the flanking woods still very obvious, and we can walk the ground as details of the battle, tactics and weapons are discussed. Picnic lunch. We will visit the informative Visitors’ Centre, and as today will feature the annual reenactment of a battle of the period, we shall take the opportunity to watch the re-enactors in all their splendour and wander around the authentically recreated camps.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Agincourt Battlefield Agincourt Visitors Centre

We now move onto the Crècy Campaign. We walk the field itself and explore the battlefield before returning home.

Includes Breakfast

Crecy Campaign

Your tour is led by Specialist Historical Guide Dr. Michael Jones who developed his love of history at Bristol University, and his interests range from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. He is the author of Bosworth 1485 - Psychology of a Battle and a battlefield guide to Agincourt. He has been guiding tours for over 20 years and his particular interest is in battlefield psychology.

Entrance fees to museums & places of interest (extra cost)

Accommodation

You will stay for three nights at the 4-star Mercure Abbeville. The hotel enjoys an enviable location and offers a warm welcome. Relax in the bar and enjoy dinner in the pleasant restaurant.