The Army of 1415: The retinues of Thomas, Duke of Clarence, and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester

Abstract

At the heart of this project are in-depth case studies of the retinues recruited and commanded in 1415 by the dukes of Clarence and Gloucester. Drawing on their complete surviving muster rolls, nearly 1,760 of the men who mustered under their commands can be identified by name. This wealth of nominal data provides a solid foundation on which thorough study of these retinues can be built. Neither has been the subject of extensive research before. Employing a prosopographical approach will allow the methods by which the two dukes recruited men in 1415 to become apparent. Furthermore, we will be able to explore whether pre-existing ties, both vertical and horizontal, existed within these retinues. This project also engages with the significant historiographical issue relating to the ‘dynamics of recruitment’ in the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries.

In addition to exploring the bonds between the men of these retinues, we will also explore their changing size and composition by utilising all the available administrative sources, for example the sick lists made after the fall of Harfleur and the post-campaign accounts. Particular focus will be given to ascertaining the comparative attrition rates between the two retinues. Before these case-studies a thorough examination of their complete muster rolls is undertaken, alongside all the other surviving 1415 muster rolls, in order to learn more about the process and mechanics of the muster. Following the case studies, a comparative analysis of the two ducal retinues is conducted in order to form a holistic study.

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ORCID for Anne Curry: orcid.org/0000-0002-7677-5561

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