A guide to raising an English army in the Middle Ages

[@phillipallen3259]

For a time so long before the telephone and computer, the system that was set up was extraordinarily effective. An army could be raised, armed and deployed obviously not at modern speed but rapidly for the time. You could go from having no standing army to speak of to fielding thousands of skilled soldiers in a short period of time. The system was brilliant for its time.

[@GhilieDawg]

Men could March 40 miles in a day back in world war 1 at least 20 miles what do modern troops get? 6 miles on foot?

[@chungus1219]

I mean most armies in medieval tiems where composed by only 3-4000 man or even less so it wasn’t such being of a deal. But your affirmation remains true if we look for example at more ancient eras, like Roman era, where you could’ve easily mastered an army of 10-20.000 very rapidly.

[@UlsterAndy]

@TechMaidenCheryl bollards, we used to do 1 5mile per week in full kit 40lbs, and 1 10mile per month in full kit. Each Friday was bn cross country run day, you had to beat the Co back or else you did it again, trouble was that he had a 2min head start and he was fit and ex sas.

[@kettelbe]

@@chungus1219 roman legion were also not disbanded lol.. Especially along borders or in important territories like grain basket aegypt

[@chungus1219]

@@kettelbe and?

[@brandoncliff5653]

This is literally the history content that history lovers crave. It reminds me when History Channel was good and had real history and facts and smart men and women who would tell you helpful information. You don't tell you what you've heard a million times and are super original. Thank you for this Channel.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks very much for that, you're most welcome 👍🏻

[@eisaatana96]

Why do you use "literally" even when what you're saying could not possibly be construed as figurative or metaphorical in any way?

[@whitebloodism]

@@eisaatana96 it gets thrown around a lot these days, I almost just consider it slang! Literally!

[@joshuaharrell13]

His channel logo even looks like the History Channel's!

[@henriqueribeiro8167]

​@@joshuaharrell13 given he did not explain how the aliens raised the levies, this is clearly not the History channel.

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

When a person who's passionate about their subject starts going into the tiny details and what-if's and it seems like there's no end to it, I am always fascinated, no matter what the subject is. And your reference to the war in Ukraine speaks volumes about your interest in **understanding** History. You, Sir, are genuinely passionate about your subject and I love your channel. Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's very kind, thank you, and yes I really do love history.

[@AK-dw8jo]

Sir, may I ask you if you have any idea why Russia went in to Ukraine?

[@thehistorysquad]

@@AK-dw8jo In my opinion, Putin is trying to turn the clock back and reclaim lands that were once part of the Soviet Union.

[@PSDuck216]

@@thehistorysquad He’s not trying to wind the clock back, he vowed, several years ago, to reconstitute the old Soviet Union by “reclaiming” Ukraine, the Baltic states, Poland and other past territories of the Soviet Union. This is why the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, including other points of the Balkans, have joined, applied or are weighing the options of becoming a NATO member. They all suffered brutally under Moscow’s rule and want no further part of it. Most of those countries would risk being nukes by Moscow rather than being ruled. That alone should speak volumes to the West. It may sound like 1950s-60s jingoisms to us, but to them, Moscow and WWIII is bordering their back yard. No more “peace at any price”. Those who suffered resoundingly say “Never again!” Superb show, Kevin! Polished and chock full of history and historical trivia. With a cuppa, just the way I like it! Cheers!

[@freeholdtacticalmed]

Kevin, you’ve been a man-at-arms your entire life. Still a Squaddie and civil militia no matter where you are. Stay Frosty Mate! Love your stuff.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, not far from the truth Paul, thanks!

[@Adam_okaay]

The 1285 statute of Winchester wasn't the first codification of military service in England, the 1285 statute just expanded on the 1181 Assize De Armes (there was another one in the 1250s).

[@tomgilesmarvoloryley]

It's old school but I love miniatures getting used to demonstrate history. Such a tactile and intuitive way to explain difficult themes. The agincourt model by the perry brothers at Leeds Royal Armouries is absolutely fantastic, as is the Tower of London models of the castle through time

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Me too! ❤ I've seen incredibly detailed museum miniatures used to explain WWI battlefields, early colonial settlements, or the technology of sailing ships, and I think they're a super-effective educative tool? There's just something about the 3D view which really helps put one's imagination into the scene, in a way that can be difficult in pre-photographic eras where their unfamiliar & highly-stylised art styles can make the contemporary pictorial representations really difficult for us to get our heads around. Plus, as a crafter myself, I have so much respect for the skill & creativity of the artists who create high-quality miniatures and panoramas! 👏

[@Noobslayar]

Love how you’re able to give sort of live-action reenactment shots through the use of miniatures. Great idea!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like it!

[@neymarmessironaldo5881]

Using figurine models instead of computer simulations is a very welcome change of pace. Kind of brings it alive more. Cheers for the video !

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Stefan 👍🏻

[@JapanJimmy]

I agree too, probably quick to make aswell. Many thanks from Tokyo James

[@josephinequinn8782]

Always wondered how they raised armies in the past, now I know. Thank you.😀

[@andrewburkinshaw1446]

The medieval times have always felt like a fairy tail to me but Kevin has done a fantastic job of making it into real life history for me. It’s amazing stuff

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Andrew, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@engreem9281]

I've been working on a fiction book for a while now. Set in a medieval esc world, with a lot of politics, battle and stuff. And your videos have helped me out a lot with figuring out how my own things should work. Thank you

[@trevdestroyer8209]

Would love to read it once it's done

[@trevdestroyer8209]

Is it going to be available to read anywhere?

[@engreem9281]

@@trevdestroyer8209 not sure if I'll be able to publish it anywhere. It will take a while to get done though, since I'm slow when it comes to writting. Plus have a lot of more important responsibility as of late Thank you for showing interest though :>

[@mcsmash4905]

the medieval army structure and recruitment system is probably one my favourite subjects in history overall

[@astronautindisguise]

Very eye opening video, really informative about some of the things I’ve always wondered. It goes to show that the Medieval system is always so much more detailed than shown, especially on the big screen of Hollywood.

[@michaels3112]

I remember reading that to be an archer within the English army, you would need to shoot a minimum of 10 arrows in a minute.

[@mjspice100]

There is some truth in that. A skilled longbowman could shoot 10-12 arrows in a minute. It took a long time to train them up, years in fact as a warbow would have a draw weight of at least 100lbs, often more. There was a law in place requiring males to practice every Sunday for at least 2 hours so they were always ready to go to war when required. Training began at quite a young age where a boy was given a lightweight bow and gradually moved up to heavier draw weight bows as he grew older and stronger.

[@BigMrFirebird]

I've never read of a primary source stating that. Plus the lack of clocks, except in urban areas, would mean such a minute would be variable in duration even if it were true.

[@MrHendrix17]

@@BigMrFirebird And the region of America known as Mississippi wasn't known to Europeans at the time so counting 60 Mississippis was out of the question

[@MizterMoonshine]

@@MrHendrix17 You mean they were counting Mississippilessly???

[@johndododoe1411]

@@MrHendrix17 And beer wasn't solid in bottles, so they couldn't count bottles of beer either. But then of cause they didn't need accurate seconds for timekeeping anyway. A 1 minute hourglass would do the trick. as would graduations on a ceramic water clock that would run for a full hour before refilling. Such a clock would be built to refill 12 times on a March day to get a fair level of accuracy.

[@kakarikiIck]

Looking forward to another video. Thank you Kevin. Pardon criminals, was on that one.

[@whynot5568]

Thanks for preserving this information

[@Cormano980]

Between back breaking work and endless war , the peasant had his career perspective looking excellent

[@AdministrativeResults]

Another Banger Kevin! Love the channel, keep 'em coming!

[@britishbeef4890]

English Longbow review when

[@carlmitchell3431]

Very interesting I always wondered how an army was put together so much planing and a system that works.

[@sorrysirmygunisoneba]

Extremely interesting and this helps explain the importance of the feudal system in England. They should teach this in schools.

[@williamhunter4183]

Very informative. Awesome that you are looking for the primary source for "10 arrow a minute" and clarified that instead of just repeating. Also, love the old square based minatures.

[@carriegraham6385]

Kevin, as a high school history teacher in Canada, your videos putting things into context has been invaluable, thanks for your work and passion!

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s great to hear Carrie, thanks.

[@greghenrikson952]

I'm setting up a presentation on this for our living history group this summer. This is great information! Thank you as always.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@80sbabejones54]

I know all war is bad for either side, but being a horse lover I can't bare to imagine what those beautiful animals went through. Bravery at it's best. Losses all around. And another great tale as always. Love ya Kevin ❤❤❤

[@Sam_Hannam]

Been waiting patiently for the next upload. Perfect timing. Just made a brew!

[@scritchscratch3061]

i'm a big history nerd and these videos help so much in learning more about how things worked in the medieval era, always love watching your stuff!

[@fangslaughter1198]

Thanks! My second episode. It was as good as I’ve come to except 🙂

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm glad to hear that, thank you so much, and thanks for the SUPER too 👍🏻

[@wolfie9593]

Kev, i adore your channel. Family history is my hobby, and your videos have taught me more than most big-budget shows of how my ancestors lived. Thank you for this gift. 🇨🇦

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

Great video! Cool topic

[@simonhawker9277]

island nation must have a good home guard, love your stuff thank you good sir

[@billgreason251]

Hi Kevin great video, there is a great book by Juliet Barker on the Agincourt campaign that goes into detail about how the army was raised and how it was all financed: she has also written one on the Crecy campaign and it's aftermath.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Pretty sure I read that while on deployment in about '07; bored my fellows to tears, I'm sure. But an interesting look into the internal mechanics of English and French military structure at the time. She also had a way of making the French effort at the battle seem tragic in its "what could have been" manner.

[@jonhelmer8591]

Yes, it's a great book. I also recommend this Gresham College lecture kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIW8lH2rj8lqeLs

[@JayJay-gz4li]

This guy is so cool he explains things so well

[@Klomster88]

Always good to see some Perry miniatures. Great quality stuff and good value.

[@oliverZ433]

love your videos greetings from Bern Switzerland

[@thehistorysquad]

A place I'd like to visit, thanks Oliver 👍🏻

[@oliverZ433]

@@thehistorysquad yes you should its full of Swiss medieval history

[@somelaser5906]

Very interesting. I love little bits of random information such as this, I'll never have a need for it but it'll stay perched in my head for years to come

[@ianasquith3902]

I did an indentured apprenticeship. It started at 7 years, but was reduced to 5 years. Bill Law was my master. : )

[@petehall889]

I enjoyed this presentation tremendously, Kevin. I will be viewing it more times, because it contained such a wealth of information and was so brilliantly explained. I like your reference to the mediaeval equivalent of the 'Mad Minute' for Bowmen. Very sensible indeed! I thought your illustration of the two halves of the Indenture was excellent; so few are aware of indentures and even less that there were two copies of the agreement written on the vellum, which was then cut in half in wavy fashion, one half being retained by each party. I have collected many indentures, mainly from the 16th to 18th centuries. They are fascinating documents to decipher and transcribe and are so beautifully written. It is wonderful to hold such history in one's hand! Nice to see the White Boar badge, Kevin - I'm a staunch supporter of our King Richard III...

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Pete!!

[@debrajohnston3450]

I really enjoyed this. My Dad was a Master Rifleman in the Army for 20yrs, I like the Military stories.

[@liamlilley2959]

Another excellent video, Kevin. Yet again bringing history to life, thanks for the video!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Liam, glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@Sinn0100]

I know I already posted but there's something I wanted to say. I have watched many history channels here on KZbin. Some good, a few are truly great, but you are in a league all on your own. I am going to share your channel with some of my college friends (one is a history professor). I don't know if he will share it with his classes but there is a possibility he might. You my good sir, need more viewers and I'm going to do my best to help.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you so much, it really is appreciated.

[@skullium5920]

I love medieval history! I wish I could go to England and see the castles. This was truly fascinating I loved this video so much

[@thehistorysquad]

Me too, it's one of my favourite periods. Have you seen my Chepstow Castle tour? I'm hoping to do more when I go back again in 2023.

[@paladinpariah325]

I never knew about arrayers and your take on it was absolutely fascinating. Would love to see more videos on how medieval soldiers were trained, especially commoners. For example, how did the nobility turn disparate small groups of men, who came from different places, into larger fighting units?

[@thehistorysquad]

It's on the cards 😃

[@fredazcarate4818]

Brilliant video on the subject Sir. The difficulties of raising an army greatly reduced and efficiency of mustering improved tremendously under such system. Once again I thank you for presenting the facts unambiguously, and filling your lecture with useful information in regards levies.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@Philobiblion]

Brilliant. Thanks. Explained more than thousands of pages of reading ever did.

[@thehistorysquad]

👍🏻

[@CBRN-115]

Your knowledge, voice and the general theme is just pleasant. I love this video good sir

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly!

[@suzannecrum9702]

Thank you for the most important info there.We never knew.Pleasure watching and learning!

[@caractacuspott4581]

These videos are always great for explaining the details that documentaries don't usually mention. Happy New Year Mr. Hicks!

[@Tysto]

Loved this one. Really reveals things about how the culture of the period worked.

[@russellgough7801]

Nice video Kevin! I got into trouble a long time ago with a lady from the Richard III society when I asked why she was wearing a warthog badge. I was swiftly enlightened regarding the 'white boar' 🙂

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@waynedaly1718]

A fascinating discussion of a complicated situation. Thanks very much for another entertaining video

[@terrain-hardy]

LOL ...😂🤣😂 I have just sent way to many questions on another video, and this one has been a huge help in answering some of them 👌 I really admire your ability to explain a given subject, so that it is educational, fun and exciting to listen to 👍 many many thanks for showing and please keep up the good work

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 you're welcome 👍🏻

[@alexandersarchives9615]

One thing I’ve wondered ever since I started watching your channel is what type of hat that is… Maybe a video on your medieval clothing could be a thing in the future?

[@thehistorysquad]

Maybe yes, the hat I'm wearing is a type of Monmouth cap, it's double knitted and my absolute favourite. 👍🏻

[@rochmel1409]

This is so refreshing. If it had been 'commercially' made for TV it would have had music playing in the background, sound bites, the same repeated video sequence of a couple of archers loosing off their bows and been much less informative. This is how a documentary should be presented.. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, I never thought of it like that, but you're right....just keeping it simple 👍🏻

[@calvanoni5443]

Love this kind of information for use in Fantasy Campaigns.

[@PackLeader12690]

Love the videos been watching your channel for around a year or two. Always appreciate the cheery "hello". Thanks from Middlesex/Monmouth County in New Jersey

[@thehistorysquad]

You're most welcome, thanks for supporting the channel 👍🏻

[@scottmarsh2991]

Fabulous! Good lecture and great garb plus models! I’m overwhelmed.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much!

[@visassess8607]

Thanks! I'll definitely being using this information to raise my own army

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks once again, for another very interesting film. I love the history lessons, I am a visual learner and your "models " are AWESOME. Thanks Kevin, cheers.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're most welcome!

[@lordengland9747]

You produce some of the best content on KZbin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks!!

[@stevehammel2939]

This has been a very interesting video, thank you!

[@davefinster8697]

Your attempts to track down the origin of the requirement to shoot eight, ten, or twelve arrows in one minute reminded me of when I tried to find out if anyone ever actually argued about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin! Never did find that. It's fascinating how folks will quote these bits of information, and assume they are true without questioning! But Aquinas *did* have a discussion about whether more than one angel could be in the same place at the same time (seeing as how they were spiritual beings). In the end, he decided that one angel, one place. Probably each firing more than twelve arrows per minute... But how did medieval archers tell how long a minute was? A guy named Jost Burgieven is credited with inventing a minute hand for clocks...in 1577. Before that...well, I saw an article on medieval cooking that said to stir the sauce as long as it takes to say three paternosters. So should we envision an examiner saying the Lord's Prayer and trying to count arrow shots at the same time?

[@thehistorysquad]

Love it!! 🤣

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Labour was cheap in medieval times: you could have one chap counting arrow shots and another mumbling paternosters. Lol.

[@JayJay-gk6cr]

Always looking forward to an upland the history squad

[@mizukarate]

Nice models and good information!!!!!

[@Kriegter]

the logistics involved in this must me insane.

[@obamabiden]

really great video, informative on a topic i had not been sure of previously and i enjoyed the models being used as a tool fir visualisation. thanks for making this!

[@joanbradley8042]

Somehow you make ancient England history understandable. BYW, love your outfit!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Joan.

[@garychynne1377]

fascinating. thank yew thumbs up kevin.

[@stonysheep4364]

If computers existed back then, there'd be videos like "How Arthur pulled the sword of Excalibur" or "5 things squires always get wrong." Or "This lord laid seige to a settlement that lasted for only 6 months! You won't believe this ending!"

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

Damn! 8 minutes after the Video came online and again not first. R U all sitting there and waiting for Kevin to post the next Video? 😂 And Kevin, thanks for the great content. As always, l learned something new.

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@davidmcintyre998]

A good explanation of the lesser known details, similar laws to the last century and today might is always right.

[@brightantwerp]

I love your models, they are so detailed.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you very much 😀

[@Oldsquaw17776]

Great video, this guide will come in handy.

[@jacobkeltz3584]

Always some of the most interesting content on this website! It's so cool to learn about topics I never even really considered

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear it! Cheers 👍🏻

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

So it's not just numbers. It's quality, expertise etc. And done so quite well

[@samuelbhend2521]

ynglond....🤣 remebmbers me of the Inscriptions on old Houses here in Switzerland... often written in a Mix of old German and local swiss Dialect. It sometimes reads as if it were a language of itself😂 Even tough I'm not highly interested in History, I follow your Channel and I absolutely love those little Details and Things from the Past to giggle about.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's very kind, thank you.

[@samuelbhend2521]

@@thehistorysquad just for clarification: the part of History that interests me and is the Reason I follow you is: I'm interested on HOW Things were done, mainly Crafty Things, like your Arrow making Episode, the fine functional Details on that Castle you presented in Wales(?) small forgotten funny Things like "ynglond" etc... I'm just absolutely useless at remembering any detailed Information on who did what to whom in which Year. But I will allways remember that the early Wiking's sewn the Planks on their Ships together or how a Catapulta worked... You can tell me 100x Erik the red died in xxx Year, I'll never know ever when asked.

[@Nitrus5]

This is a great little video! Thank you for making it

[@Yacovo]

Thanks for the video.

[@oliverclothesoff5397]

I've been binge watching your content, and loving ittt. Such interesting topics I've never heard. Thank you for all your great work!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Oliver 👍🏻

[@smokingun710]

Thank you good sir, this video was fantastic and very informative, love it!!

[@ricebrown1]

Hey Kev. I hope everyone is having a good day.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh yes, thanks 👍🏻

[@neilpk70]

Thanks for another video that had me thinking "Ah, so that's how!", and "Ah, so that's why!" many times over.😃

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent 👍🏻

[@greghelms4458]

Love the content sir.

[@royalsuperperson3652]

First video I've seen from this channel and it was fantastic, thank you

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you! There's lots more in the "medieval" playlist to catch up on if you're interested. 👍🏻

[@prepperskills7223]

Could you do a bit on that vest you're wearing? It looks interesting. Like a padded jack or maybe a jack of plates.

[@davidstrother496]

Thank you Kevin, the video is very informative. I often wondered how raising an army worked back then. Now I know. Keep up the great work, and as usual, Cheers from Texas.

[@thehistorysquad]

No worries David, my pleasure.

[@williammoore9794]

Thank you for posting another fascinating video 👍

[@owenshale8719]

Another wonderful video with lot's of wonderful information I find that wonderful to know thank you again for your KZbin channel keep up the amazing videos and it's is always nice 👍🙂 looking forward to seeing what is up next week and it's a always a pleasure to listen

[@owenshale8719]

I would enjoy visiting Wales and England

[@comingstorm275]

You are such a gentleman

[@SinaKec]

Great and interesting video!

[@Greeno961]

Always been super fascinated with this era of history and your videos always show up, you absolutely are so passionate about the subject and knowledgeable. Amazing videos keep them up :)

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much, will do 👍🏻

[@krissymarklewis1793]

Great video, I love all of your videos Kev, great stuff.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@michaelpage4199]

Thank you for sharing. Truly a great bit of history. Cheers

[@brycecooper8252]

Kevin. As always, your videos provide a well spoken and eloquent yet easy to follow conversation on an extremely interesting topic. Thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@alistairpitts]

How would they reliably measure a minute to check 10 arrows per minute? I cannot imagine hourglasses were readily available, or did they use the medieval equivalent of the mississippi method? 9:21

[@thehistorysquad]

A great question, and one I can't answer with any certainty but they did have different methods of measuring time, candles, sundials etc., time was goverened by the clergy, the sounding of their bells etc. for prayers, but I should imagine the most common would be a similar one to the Mississippi method, just counting out what they deemed right. You also of course would need someone who could count up to 60 😜

[@uglymolly2138]

Thank you, Mr. Hicks!

[@tanks4nuthin964]

I love this channel

[@ramonbmovies]

I love all those models! Must take a lot of time to build.

[@thehistorysquad]

They certainly do, it's just as well that I enjoy making and painting them 👍🏻

[@ponyote]

Loved this. Thanks much!

[@passionforlust]

Great video Kevin, looks like you're feeling better, cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, yes I'm all back to normal now, cheers 👍🏻

[@Musrusticus-]

Super, thank you.