The Hundred Years War

Overview

Overview

The Hundred Years War was in reality a series of wars, on both land and sea, arising primarily from the political and dynastic conflicts of the kings of England and France.  The war was fought mainly in France but also engulfed Brittany, Scotland, the Iberian kingdoms, the Netherlands and other countries. The first part of the wars is retailed in considerable detail by the contemporary chronicler, Jean Froissart, whose powerful portrait of warfare and political rivalry is set against a backdrop of chivalric endeavour and glory. The module takes its lead from Froissart’s vivid chronicles. The first four tutorials are focussed exclusively on various aspects of his chronicles and students will be expected to write an essay on Froissart’s work. The remaining tutorials are devoted to a study of texts on Joan of Arc. Lectures concentrate on key themes associated with Froissart’s world, such as kingship, chivalry and warfare, diplomacy and popular revolt.

Time, Date, and Place

This lecture-only module comprises of one lecture per week over one term, commencing the week beginning 19 January 2026. Lectures take place on the Trinity Campus.