Battle of Agincourt facts for kids

The Battle of Agincourt was a very important battle fought on October 25, 1415. It was a huge victory for England against France during the Hundred Years' War. This win helped England achieve several more successes later on.

Who Fought?

The English army was led by their brave king, Henry V of England. The French army, which was much larger, was led by Constable of France Charles d'Albret. The French King Charles did not fight because he was unwell. King Henry V even fought hand-to-hand in the battle. He was hit by an axe, but his helmet protected him.

Key Weapons and Tactics

The English longbow was a very important weapon in this battle. It helped the English win. Longbows were more powerful than the French crossbows, and the English had many more of them. Most of the English army were skilled archers.

To protect their archers from French knights on horseback, the English army used sharp wooden stakes. These stakes were placed in the ground, making it difficult for the French cavalry to charge.

Why England Won

The French army lost many more soldiers than the English. Historians believe about 8,000 French soldiers died, while only about 100 English soldiers were lost. However, the exact numbers are not known for sure.

One big reason the French lost was their heavy armor. It made them slow and tired, especially in the sticky mud at Azincourt (Agincourt). Many French soldiers got stuck in the mud, making them easy targets. The English took many prisoners, but they only kept those who were high-ranking.

Images for kids

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  The Battle of Agincourt, from a 15th-century chronicle.

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  Monumental brass of an English knight wearing armour at the time of Agincourt (Sir Maurice Russell (d. 1416), Dyrham Church, Gloucestershire)

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  1833 reconstruction of the banners flown by the armies at Agincourt

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  John Gilbert – The Morning of the Battle of Agincourt (1884), Guildhall Art Gallery

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  King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt, 1415, by Sir John Gilbert in the 19th century.

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  Miniature from Vigiles du roi Charles VII. The battle of Azincourt 1415.

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  1915 depiction of Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt : The King wears on this surcoat the Royal Arms of England, quartered with the Fleur de Lys of France as a symbol of his claim to the throne of France.

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  The 15th century Agincourt Carol

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  Agincourt Memorial

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Azincourt para niños