The English Aristocracy at War

Edward I’s armies

“…David Simpkin has provided some analysis of the letters of protection granted for the campaign, and has shown that the defeat in 1314 was 'probably not due to an excessive number of inexperienced soldiers serving in that year'. 83 There was, however, a want of experience at the top, notably in the case of Gilbert, earl of Gloucester, a young man of 23. Four major earls, Arundel, Lancaster, Warenne and Warwick, refused to take part in the campaign.…”

The ‘Boroughbridge roll of arms’ reconsidered

“…A difficulty with identifying the roll as commemorating a tournament held at this time is that, as will be shown below, there was little correlation between the followings of the leaders in the roll and their peacetime affinities or, in particular, their military retinues for this campaign. This is further circumstantial evidence that the roll was not connected with a military event such as a battle or a siege, but might also suggest that it was not a tournament as these events were closely associated with training for the charge in battles and consequently teams or units often performed together under their customary military leader. This association is found in the close correlation of the Dunstable retinues with recent and future military service with the leaders and also in the tourneying clause found in many indentures of retainer until the thirteen‐thirties, after which these great full‐scale events declined.…”