Chivalry and Betrayal: The Hundred Years War

7.0

2013•1h

The Hundred Years’ war between England and France gave us the victories of Crecy and Agincourt, and made the reputations of Edward III and Henry V. It gave France a national heroine in Joan of Arc. But, even now, the jury is out as to its causes and outcome. Was it the final swansong of a redundant knightly class whose only reason for being was to fight? Was it a battle over ever more important territory to the emerging economies of England and France? Or was it the painful birth of two distinct national identities, forged through their long and violent divorce? Dr Janina Ramirez guides us through the stories of kings, great knights, bloody battles and cultural triumphs of this momentous conflict.

Production

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 2013

1. Trouble in the Family: 1337-1360

Dr Janina Ramirez begins by examining how Edward III led a crushing English victory at the Battle of Crecy in 1346, focusing on the role played by low-born archers, before moving on to the Black Prince's campaign of terror.

2. Breaking the Bonds: 1360-1415

Dr Ramirez continues her examination of the lengthy conflict in the 14th and 15th centuries by focusing on how England lost its advantage due to the impact of the Black Death, before Henry V turned the tide at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 by crushing French forces.

3. Agents of God: 1415-1453

Dr Janina Ramirez continues her examination of the lengthy conflict in the 14th and 15th centuries by focusing on Henry V's attempts to secure the crown of France for his heirs by conquering the entire country. She also explores the unlikely role played by Joan of Arc, a young peasant, in its resistance. Last in the series.