1403 Battle of Shrewsbury - Reeactment Part Two

In medieval battles, suspicions often played a pivotal role in shaping outcomes and alliances. Lords and commanders frequently doubted the loyalty of vassals, fearing betrayal or desertion mid-battle. Spies and informants were common, fueling paranoia and strategic deception. Accusations of treachery could lead to preemptive strikes or the execution of allies. Misinformation spread by enemy forces further eroded trust among ranks. The fog of war, combined with poor communication and shifting loyalties, made suspicion a constant undercurrent in medieval warfare—undermining unity and intensifying the brutal, chaotic nature of conflict during this era.

Medieval battles were often preceded by rituals that reflected the deeply religious and symbolic nature of the time. Common rituals included:

• Prayers and blessings: Soldiers and commanders sought divine favour, often receiving blessings from priests or bishops before combat.

• Mass: Attending a religious service, especially among Christian knights, was customary to confess sins and seek protection.

• Holy relics: Leaders might carry or touch sacred relics for luck and courage.

• Oaths and vows: Warriors sometimes made vows to saints or swore oaths of loyalty and valour.

• Battle speeches: Commanders gave stirring speeches to inspire courage and unity.

These rituals helped unify troops, boost morale, and frame the battle as a righteous cause.

Prince Hal is displayed in the first image, and King in the fifth image, dressing for battle. (A big thank you to Conar for explaining so much).

The English Free Company EFC of reenactors representing the late medieval and the War of the Roses periods of history. They have Archers, Gunners, Men at Arms and camp followers, all providing a glimpse into the medieval life and war. If you would like to try your hand at reenactment or would like to book them, email: englishfreecompanye@yahoo.co.co.uk 

 

1403 Battle of Shrewsbury - Re-inactment

 

The Battle of Shrewsbury was fought on 21 July 1403, waged between an army led by the Lancastrian King Henry IV and a rebel army led by Henry "Harry Hotspur" Percy from Northumberland. The battle, the first in which English archers fought each other on English soil, reaffirmed the effectiveness of the longbow and ended the Percy challenge to King Henry IV of England.

The Percys had previously supported Henry IV in a war against King Richard II of England, which ended when Henry IV took the throne in 1399.[2] The Percys subsequently supported Henry IV in Wales, early in the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr, and in Scotland, in both negotiations with and conflict against the Scots.

King Henry IV had been supported by many wealthy landowners to whom he had promised land, money and royal favour in return for their continued support. When the war ended, lands in and around Cumberland promised to the Percys were instead given to a rival. 

Part of the fighting is believed to have taken place at what is now Battlefield, Shropshire, England, three miles (5 km) north of the centre of Shrewsbury. It is marked today by Battlefield Church and Battlefield Heritage Park.

Death of Henry "Harry Hotspur" Percy, from a 1910 illustration by Richard Caton Woodville Jr.

Wales

 Based at Bets-y-coed, I joined a group exploring scenic views. The weather was hot and very bright, with no clouds in the sky, unusual for this part of the UK.  The first image is the most often photographed, the Little Tree. The third image is a view from the Plas y Brenin Adventure training centre situated at Capel Curig, Conwy. Situated on the twin lakes of Llynnau Mymbyr, one can see the Snowdonia range. 

Harris, Outer Hebrides Scottish Isles with Shona Perkins