The Battle of Shrewsbury | Hundred Years War [Episode 12]

Join us as Kevin Hicks delves into the dramatic and historic Battle of Shrewsbury. In this captivating video, we explore one of the pivotal conflicts of medieval England that took place in 1403, during the time of the Hundred Years War. Discover the what happened in the lead up to cause the clash between Henry IV's forces and the rebellious army led by Henry 'Hotspur' Percy, as they fought for control and power amidst political turmoil.
If you've missed any of the previous episodes in this series, you can catch up here: • Hundred Years War Series
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OTHER LINKS: Website: historysquad.ca
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CREDITS
Coat of arms Edmund 5th Earl of Stafford: Rs-nourse, CC BY-SA 3.0
Coat of arms Thomas Percy 1st Earl of Worcester: Rs-nourse, CC BY-SA 3.0
Coat of arms Dunbar: Rs-nourse, CC BY-SA 3.0
Coat of arms of Henry Percy 1st Earl of Northumberland: Newm30, CC BY-SA 4.0
Coat of arms of Henry 'Hotspur' Percy: Thom Lanaud, CC BY-SA 4.0
Coat of arms of Mortimer: Sodacan, CC BY-SA 3.0
Coat of arms of John of Gaunt/Duke of Lancaster: Sodacan, CC BY-SA 3.0
Coat of arms of Archibald Earl of Douglas: Euryrel, CC BY-SA 4.0

[@SparrowNoire]

You've nearly single-handedly fostered a love for medieval English history in me, and I'm sure in others as well. Thank you for what you do!

[@Insectoid_]

Me too!!

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thank you 👍🏻

[@UnquenchableHarvest]

Yes yes, I feel the same way.

[@thothtahuti5509]

I already had one, I'm just here to feed my need for it ❤

[@brandonsexton9017]

Exactly my thoughts as well.

[@jaymeseifert7432]

I’m a descendant of Henry Hotspur over here in America, it’s such an incredible thing to get to learn so much about my family history. Thank you for sharing!

[@UppsalaSal]

I really appreciate the time and energy you put into preparing episodes like this.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Excellent video as usual Mr Hicks. Tbh, the job of King of England in the middle ages was probably the most dangerous job in history. From William I to James II, over 50% died in battle, were deposed, murdered with red hot pokers up the bum, "accidentally" shot in the New Forest, died of gangrenous arrow wounds, choked on lampreys, shat themselves to death outside Rouen, or in some other way met a non-natural end. Not a job I'd want. Compared to other Monarchy's, being King of England was a very tough gig.

[@thehistorysquad]

Beautifully put and so true 😂 I might have to use that idea for a video, if you don't mind 👍🏻

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

@@thehistorysquad Go for it !😆

[@NobleKorhedron]

​@@thehistorysquad is it true William Rufus was reputedly murdered for being gay? 🤔

[@kerorogunso961]

This has easily become one of my favorite channels. As someone who has loved and studied medieval history for years it is wonderful to see it put into view through your amazing story telling and miniature dioramas. Thanks a bunch!

[@Campfire_Bandit]

+

[@ricebrown1]

you know its gonna be a banger of a video when he busts out the models.

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@overwhelmingapathy721]

Another thing i find super impressive about the prince of wales was that he was around 14 in this battle headbutting arrows and leading men to victory.

[@cymro6537]

I think that Prince Hal was 16 years old in this battle - but yeah,tough cookie.

[@ginnyanntonick]

Eat or be eaten.

[@narannavan]

Glyndwr was in his 50s. He wasn't 15.

[@cymro6537]

@@narannavan I think that you've gotten the wrong prince here - the (English) Prince of Wales, Henry,was 16.

[@kenijonesESQ]

Brutal, and a different breed of man. Shot in the face, breaks the arrow off and continues fighting the good fight. Great episode Kevin thanks

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Kevin: Another well-done and straight-forward explanation. I particularly appreciate the preface, using the 'lollypops', to illustrate the relationships of the nobles involved.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, how else would I be able to follow the story myself 😜 I have them all lined up off-camera 👍🏻

[@dmcarpenter2470]

@@thehistorysquad Good drills

[@AtheAetheling]

Fantastic video. The thing about the Cheshire bowmen is, they were Percy's best soldiers...but I bet they wouldn't have been happy if they'd known their home may have been given over to Owain Glyn Dwr if the Battle of Shrewsbury had gone the other way. Assuming the Tripartite Indenture agreement signed by Hotspur's father was still in play, the men of Cheshire were lied to for their loyalty, and they might have found themselves and their lands given over to Owain's new Welsh kingdom had the rebels won; naturally as a border county, they would have hated the Welsh and vice versa. Probably one of the sadder aspects of the rebellion rarely discussed, since the bowmen of Cheshire honestly thought they were fighting for Richard II. They may have even been told he was still alive. That of course assumes that Percy and Mortimer would have honoured the agreement with the Welsh prince at all. One suspects probably not, as it seems unworkable long term, and I can't imagine the two English nobles giving up land like that.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

I adore Shrewsbury! So much history and such a beautiful town.

[@judydavenport9636]

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania here in the US. the next town to us is named Shrewsbury. Its just north of the Maryland line off of interstate 83.

[@davidcreager1945]

Great video Kevin !! Very well explained ! I could almost hear the clash of arms . The diarama was awesome. As someone who has painted mimitures , i appreciate your efforts here !!! Have a great weekend !!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers for that, it does take a lot of time, so it's good to know it's worthwhile. 👍🏻

[@hzhz3469]

An excellent example of how history should be taught at school

[@stevep5408]

Your ability to explain a very complicated situation plus your interest and passion makes it interesting!

[@causeandeffect8969]

As a Salopian, been waiting since the start of the series for this. Thanks Kev !

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to oblige 😜

[@projectvictory8150]

The way you tell these stories always impress me. I just can’t imagine how brutal these battles were. How could survivors possibly live normally the rest of their lives after witnessing that? Really incredible.

[@braysway10]

American here and proud direct descendant of the Percy's. Loving your content Kevin, can't get enough!

[@AJellySnakeRebel]

Ooo can u do a battle of Tettenhall please. I've tried looking.. but info is scarce. And the battle location is quite varied...

[@ЕгорПещерский]

Good God, how many a name "Henry" could be cranked into the story??? Thank you for delving into the history, mr. Hicks!

[@mufaromandaza]

I have just recently moved to England. I am loving these little history lesson. Intrigued!

[@The_ZeroLine]

Hotspur has to be one the coolest medieval nicknames ever. By the by, a crazy aunt did a family tree all the way back to the Battle of Hastings. The most notable ancestor found was the Earl/Earls of Shrewsbury. My father actually had the same name, by pure coincidence, as “Old Talbot,” the first EOS John.

[@80sbabejones54]

Not so much about historical fact but you tell it with the same passion you do with all your videos. Well done kevin ❤❤❤

[@JordanCrecy]

Thanks for covering this Kevin, I would highly recommend ‘The Fears of Henry IV’ by Ian Mortimer, it provides a fantastic account of his extremely interesting life and also shows just how horrifying the battle of Shrewsbury was - the fact that the commanders on both sides believed that they were winning the battle so there was a bloodbath. He also gives a very fair and balanced debate over the fate of Richard II, whether Henry did it/was aware of what happened to him at Pontefract Castle (possible future video idea…similar to the one you did on the Princes in the Tower?). Thanks again for the awesome work, look after yourself!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for the recommendation Jordan! I'll add that to my reading list 👍🏻

[@Pinklady7529]

This is a genius level request 👏

[@JerryCrow]

Lovely model, appreciate it :)

[@solidghost4525]

If I ever become King I will appoint you Royal Historian. To teach my sons history in the evenings and Archery in the mornings.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh that'd be my dream job 😜

[@Pinklady7529]

I cannot believe how effectively your models demonstrate the logistics. For me it resonates far more than any CGI / other media medium.

[@thehistorysquad]

Amazing isn't it, sometimes simplicity is best 👍🏻

[@danielharris2156]

Your miniatures, portraits, and passion have put me directly in the battle. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the effort you put into this. You've inspired me to learn so much about my English ancestors and their history. One day I will tour England and its castles and you're single handedly responsible for it. What I wouldn't do to have you as my tour guide Kevin, your passion is infectious. Thank you from Florida!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's really kind of you Daniel, thank you 👍🏻

[@davesheppard8797]

Hi Kev, Have your ears been burning? I have just been talking to Pip Bickerstaffe about you and Bows. He said "Ah...the Bowman of Warwick, good man" !! He said that everyone speaks very highly of you (as I do). Pip is soooo knowledgeable about bows and shooting in general. Any issues I had when I started out shooting with technique or whatever, Pip knew exactly what to do to put me on track. Also, his bows are of such high quality. The finish is superb and they shoot like a dream!! Hope you are well Sir, Dave.

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah great. I'd always fancied a Bickerstaffe bow, but circumstances never led me to one. I do recommend them on here though as I know he's a good bowyer.

[@davesheppard8797]

@thehistorysquad Yes Kev, I have 6 Bickerstaffe bows and another being made. They are fast, really smooth to shoot and they will take a heavy arrow in their stride. The Single growth ring Hickory backed Osage with an Osage core bow Pip made for me is still probably my favourite. I got some great results with it last time I shot it. He just makes great bows! Dave.

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

Your costume and miniatures are top notch. I'm not sure why Richard would believe he had safety to leave his castle.

[@DallingerM]

Love the longer videos Kevin! Very enjoyable watch

[@TheEvertw]

Great story-telling! Thank you! For a second I thought this was about the Siege of Shrewsbury during the Anarchy, of Cadfael fame, but that was three centuries earlier. Another instance of Englishmen killing Englishmen...

[@randyfullagar1296]

Have to confess, I got really confused but I love these battle enactments. Please keep up t,he work.

[@xeltanni8999]

Take all the time you need, Mr. Hicks, when the result is this amazing!

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, how lovely, thanks very much!

[@schwabrichard9829]

A great report Kevin. As a life long wargamer i enjoy your content!

[@davidstrother496]

Thanks for another great little history lesson, Kevin. It is great to learn about these battles and tactics. Cheers from Texas.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers David, trust you're well 👍🏻

[@davidstrother496]

@@thehistorysquad Yes sir, all is well.

[@alan-dx2zf]

Another great one Kevin. I am loving this hundred year war series. I think I know my history but you give me info that is always new and fascinating. Don't be to hard on Fred Dinage Kev😂

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣 I like his crime series

[@douglasreagan4979]

Well done Captain!

[@WilliamDoyle-rb6lt]

Great video Kevin, so we'll researched.The courage and self discipline of the young Prince ,a preview of the great Warrior King he would become.

[@BobJohnson648]

Thank you! This kind of thing really helps to unravel affinities with consequences for the rest of the century.

[@leviusify1985]

It's always amazing to hear "As an English longbowmen.." as a preface to anything lol

[@lookson624]

Thank you Kevin , you are a welth of information. Sorry about my spelling 😃 . I love your teachings

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers & no worries 👍🏻

[@danielleclare2938]

Hard to say what is better the story or the modeling. Thanks for both! Good job.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@davidjones6778]

I have visited the Battlefield church and Haughmond Abbey - both well worth a visit. You mentioned the Prince of Wales - I didn't know Owain Glyndwr was present. Just betrayed my origins and allegiance. No, seriously, very - very well presented and researched. Really enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers David 👍🏻

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

I've walked over the battlefield and it's basically a hill with a fairly level area about halfway up. Apparently, the rebel forces were deployed on the gentle south facing slope at the top of the hill, which is a strong position, but instead of staying there and forcing the king to attack from the weaker position they came down to the level area. Big mistake, because from that position their view was limited and they could not see the Prince of Wales' attack approaching their right flank until the last moment. My own impression was one of claustrophobia because from the level area you can see very little of the battlefield, so you could be surprised by enemy appearing at almost any point in your line, and of course the fatal attack came from the worst possible direction. I think it's worth mentioning that Henry, Prince of Wales (later Henry V) led the winning attack with half of an arrow inside his head and was only 15 years old at the time. Tough lad ! (the tool used to extract the arrow head the following day is in Shrewsbury museum)

[@orthoff123]

Very good work! Greetings from the Holy Roman Reich of German Nations

[@patrickrobinson317]

Thanks for the history lesson. 😊 Patrick from Bethesda, Maryland, USA

[@thehistorysquad]

A pleasure 👍🏻

[@NinjaNezumi]

That yalp at the start startled me! lol XD

[@sorrysirmygunisoneba]

These presentations are better than any CGI, the models make it much easier to understand. Especially what you done with the flags, I would have been lost if it was just a load of graphics on a screen. Epic work as always, now I’m going to watch back on the other episodes about The Hundred Years War!

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, glad you liked the video, there were a lot of players and the flags, though simple help me to keep a track too. Cheers!

[@manonmars2009]

Excellent. Without people like you Kevin explaining these battles, history would fade away never to be remembered.

[@JohnyG29]

I'd think Shrewsbury is famous enough to never be forgot. Such a well known engagement.

[@coreybarnes1802]

Another great video, and as a former miniature enthusiast as well, I love the models you set up! Thanks for making history fun and engaging for your viewers.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure, I'm glad you're enjoying the vids 👍🏻

[@leighdee2084]

I just finished 100 yrs War series and really enjoyed it. Your storytelling is fantastic. I'm hooked.

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, thanks. We have another episode to release next week, followed quickly on by another. I'd let the series lapse a little, just because of time. 👍🏻

[@sgtcrabfat]

Decent visitor centre there, with shop and somewhere to eat, just on the battle site, worth a visit.

[@karenclark6468]

This is the first of your videos I have had the pleasure to view. It will not be the last!

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh, that's very kind thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series 👍🏻

[@als3022]

Don't hear about Wales too often, but it is nice to see how they are included in this with the rebellion. Also interesting how families and rivalries cause political problems as the personal and public mix together. on Richard II I read a month or so ago a book that took the context of the Peasant's Revolt of 1381 shaped Richard II to turn him into the tyrant he became.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, I understood that about Richard II, do you remember the name of the book?

[@als3022]

@@thehistorysquad Summer of Blood by Dan Jones. Not too long a book.

[@horuslupercal9936]

Nice to see some Cheshire Archers amongst the Rebel Minis! (beautiful Perry Miniatures too!).

[@kwalorblmn5295]

Love this series

[@Free-Bodge79]

Excellent work sir. You'r a gentleman and a scholar.! 👍💛👊

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I've heard about many American wars and battles but this is all new and so much to learn,its amazing!

[@toldyouso5588]

If ever there was a show series "100 years war" it should go on like forever.

[@mickusable]

Thanks Kev for another interesting one, being an archer myself I love these medieval videos and showing just what an ‘arrow storm’ can do to an army 🤘🏹

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely, you know we're getting close to Agincourt now don't you 😜

[@mickusable]

@@thehistorysquad I do Kev, yeah 👍

[@garychynne1377]

the prince of wales was tough as nails such a princely prank to turn the flank the shrews of shrewsbury were let loose. past realities and mother goose. thank you kevin for your patience to make the models. they really do help describe the scene visually. thank yew for your descriptions of the importance of medieval long bowmen in the 13 hundreds. before gun powder we were the cats meow. i suppose it is safe to say that the arrow storm was the most effective artillery until much later when we got grape and canister. ghastly weapons. have a good night. thumbs up. enjoyed.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey Gary, I didn't know you were a poet! Thanks buddy & keep well. 👍🏻

[@marka.denham6858]

I enjoyed your telling of the story and am impressed by your build and use of the model soldiers. Thank you.

[@paulspice4717]

Brilliant, even with all those lords and earls stuck in the green foam. Making history fun and real.

[@michaelpage4199]

As always your videos are bloody brilliant. I was watching and puffing on my pipe like a train. Thanks for sharing these. Your models are truly amazing

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks buddy 👍🏻

[@johnspizziri1919]

This beats a movie!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 Cheers!

[@jvincent2870]

Fascinating history lesson! You really bring the story to life! As a Percy descendent I would be interested to know if there are many Percy’s, besides the Duke of course, living in the Alnwick area today!

[@samhouston1979]

thank you for keeping the memory of the men who fought & died in these battles alive

[@Allyourbase1990]

I can’t believe I just found this channel . I love history , especially anything about medieval battles .

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome!

[@rikijett310]

Excellent as always!!!!! 👍👍

[@projectinlinesix]

Very impressive model! Thank you for sharing this excellent story!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I am not at all familiar with the cast of characters so I think I'll watch the first part again. Thank you for the visuals.

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

Love the military miniatures a real skill there.

[@WimZiekman]

You also are a great modeller too! Perfect!!

[@nickwebb9290]

Superbly explained Kevin and your model really helps in this. I’d go as far as saying your posts should be shown in schools as you bring history to life 🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks!

[@FASynergy]

I love this channel so much. I often catch HistoryMarche for the battles and History Dose for the storytelling. But both channels feel vert, what is the word, maybe overproduced? I guess digital may be the word. But here I can get both stprytelling and visuals, and with nothing digital in sight. Just imagining the amount of time you must spend hand-painting and assembling the models, even between different shots, is amazing. So much passion in this channel!

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate your comment, thanks. Our philosophy is to keep it simple, both for us and the audience. 👍🏻

[@mushymagazineonlocation7328]

Your efforts to educate us is boundless. Great history always.

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@yourdashingheroidol7909]

Just discovered this channel and find it awesome! Truly fascinating! This Kevin Hicks fellow is an absolute treasure! Such an amazing storyteller, conveying information that you can tell is dear to his own heart! My name is Richard Bowen and I know my Dad's family descended from Wales. I am trying to learn more about my origins in this region. Hicks makes this area of the world as fascinating and cool to learn about, as ANYONE out there. I mean that as the highest praise! Well met, well done and I look forward to any/all information yet to come!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's very kind. Welcome to the channel! There's plenty to catch up on, and you'll find a short video about the Welsh Bowmen in the archery & medieval playlists. My wife is also Welsh 👍🏻

[@l4dfreak101]

Your videos are great, every one is a treat!

[@Aramis419]

I’m amazed that foam block didn’t fall apart!

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@ebmus9781]

Great job on your painted models--having visual aides is a very effective way to teach. Thank you for sharing your expertise with all of us!

[@thehistorysquad]

You are very welcome

[@jordana7140]

You have a god-given, innate gift when it comes to recounting history and telling stories. You are amazing and teachers should strive to speak like you do....fun, engaging, and invested.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's very kind, thank you 👍🏻

[@sticklycards]

great display Kevin thank you for your service

[@kingjames2372]

History always seemed lame to me, but that was just because of the way teachers talked about it back in school. when I found this channel a few weeks ago I was immediately bound by your love for history. You can just feel that this man loves what he does. It's honestly contagious! I just wish there where more teachers like this man.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's very kind of you thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel 👍🏻

[@kingjames2372]

And I'm glad to have found it! 👍

[@ChuntyCops]

Yes it’s always a good day when you upload a new battle video. Love to see the diorama, I’d recognise those Perry miniatures anywhere. Best sculpts for medieval minis. I love how you’ve done the colours and heraldry. Thanks again for doing what you do.

[@okancanarslan3730]

good story with amazing models

[@KenCharles-x9u]

Loving the History Squad series, so interesting and informative. Whilst enjoying the European and English wars and conflicts, it would be interesting to have some History about the Crusades and the Knights Templars. Thank you. 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Yep one day, but the Wars of the Roses will be following this series first 👍🏻

[@digitaIgorilla]

More, MORE! 👏 Can't get enough of these tales of medieval warfare and intrigue

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@Paveway-chan]

Very good presentation, the politics of war are always so interesting! And A+ for the effort put into the miniatures as well

[@ffish6661]

wow, love the models !

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@gloworm6387]

WOW!!! Love the painstaking detail you put into your mini armies & scenery. I really enjoy these videos 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much!

[@cymro6537]

Hi Kev, great video ! Thanks 👍 You mentioned Owain Glyndwr, a great battle worth exploring that he lead would be the battle of Pilleth June, 22nd 1402.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes I'd like to cover Owain Glyndwr some more in a video so I'll check it out. 👍🏻

[@cymro6537]

@@thehistorysquad Diolch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Thanks😊✨

[@narannavan]

​@@thehistorysquadcan't wait!

[@Dapper_Dillinger504]

This is the first video i have seen from @thehistorysquad and i must say this is very great work and entertaining history. I would love to see your take on the relationship between Richard the Lionheart and saladin. The story of saladin giving a horse to Richard I is quite peculiar and funny and shows a different side of medieval war. The whole story of Richard and john lackland entire family is one that is very important to English history. Salud mon ami

[@thehistorysquad]

Hello & welcome to the channel, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Salah al-Din is a favourite character of mine that I would like to cover one of these days 👍🏻

[@jefflatham3247]

These are really interesting Mr. Hicks , thank You.....

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@InOppositiontotheNewWorldOrder]

Thank you for sharing.

[@PanupanS]

That ending hit so hard and I am not even a European, love your story telling.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@paulyates2548]

What a absolute fantastic story you had me glued to my seat with bated breath but I would like to know more about hotspur the son he sounds a very interesting character 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Deetzbaby]

Awesome work Kevin, thank you for always explaining things so well. Love the model, the figures look great!!! You would be so much fun to paint minitures with. Thank you for this 100 year war series, its one of my favorites❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Derek! I'm busy with some Viking models at the moment 😉

[@MultiSirens]

Hmm and my brother was born at Shrewsbury, haha that explains a lot! Thank you!

[@kimsoares3271]

Greetings from Finland Just found your channel the other day. You enthusiasm and positive attitude is contagious and the videos are very informative. Keep up the great work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks and welcome to the channel. 👍🏻