The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 9 (February 25, 1927)

Henry V. 1413–1422

Henry V. 1413–1422.

On the death of King Henry IV., the head of the House of Lancaster who had usurped the throne, his frivolous and riotous son, Prince Henry, was transformed into the brave King Henry V.

The Hundred Years' War with France, which was commenced by Edward III. nearly eighty years before, was resumed. The Church, desirous of diverting the attention of Parliament from the confiscation of the church property, and the barons, restless through the continued peace, welcomed the resumption of the war.

Henry invaded France with an army of thirty thousand and after five weeks' siege Harfleur surrendered. Through privation and sickness the English army dwindled to half its original number. On the march to Calais Henry encountered the French army at Agincourt. The English were very much outnumbered, but owing to the skill of their bowmen and the superior organisation of their army they were able to obtain a most decisive victory over the French. This battle clearly demonstrated that well trained infantry men were much superior to undisciplined cavalry forces.

Henry's triumphs in France won for him the hearts of his people and he was received with unbounded joy in England.

By the Treaty of Troyes it was agreed that Henry should marry the daughter of the French King, and that until the death of the French King Henry should be Regent of France and thereafter King of France.

Unfortunately he did not live long to enjoy the glory that his military genius had won for him.

Although the greater part of France had submitted to Henry V., at the close of the next reign Calais was the only English possession in France.

Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth.