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
If you'd like to support the channel more and help us continue making fun, fascinating videos, please check out our PATREON page for perks. / thehistorysquad
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!

[@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.

[@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]

🤣

[@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

[@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.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

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

[@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

[@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. 👍🏻

[@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!

[@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 👏

[@causeandeffect8969]

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

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to oblige 😜

[@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...

[@hzhz3469]

An excellent example of how history should be taught at school

[@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 👍🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@DallingerM]

Love the longer videos Kevin! Very enjoyable watch

[@JerryCrow]

Lovely model, appreciate it :)

[@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.

[@xeltanni8999]

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

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, how lovely, thanks very much!

[@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

[@user-ly6pl5ot9m]

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

[@stevep5408]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍🏻

[@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 👍

[@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 👍🏻

[@NinjaNezumi]

That yalp at the start startled me! lol XD

[@kwalorblmn5295]

Love this series

[@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.

[@l4dfreak101]

Your videos are great, every one is a treat!

[@mufaromandaza]

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

[@leviusify1985]

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

[@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 👍🏻

[@80sbabejones54]

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

[@fredv7487]

Well done Kevin. Thanks for keeping us up to date on medieval times. 👍👍👍👍👍🍻🍻

[@maureenjocelyn3000]

Excellent job as always, thank you so much!

[@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.

[@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 👍🏻

[@GaryYork-tk2ow]

Excellent video, this is my favourite period in English history. The Hundred Years War leading up to the Wars of the Roses have always fascinated me.

[@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 👍🏻

[@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 😜

[@samhouston1979]

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

[@gloworm6387]

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

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much!

[@sticklycards]

great display Kevin thank you for your service

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

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

[@randyfullagar1296]

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

[@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)

[@marka.denham6858]

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

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

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

[@BobJohnson648]

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

[@PhinAI]

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of enjoying the labors of your hospitality and skilled presentation. It's wonderfully exceptional to learn at your table!

[@thehistorysquad]

How kind of you, thank you.

[@julesl6910]

Thank you for this, I very much enjoyed the models and the way you presented the battle

[@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

[@projectinlinesix]

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

[@Paveway-chan]

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

[@neilnoakes2685]

Great artwork, such detail!

[@birdlawyer4885]

What a great way to get ready for the weekend. Another banger vid from Mr. Hicks!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 Have a good one 👍🏻

[@kiwifruit27]

Yet another fascinating video, I appreciate all the effort that you have put into making your display. Excellent stuff

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for tuning in again 👍🏻

[@JohnHughes-gv3vm]

Excellent video as always Kevin.

[@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 😉

[@mushymagazineonlocation7328]

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

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@digitaIgorilla]

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

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@stav1369]

Brilliant narration and an incredible story.

[@Richard0292]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@toddmitchell9172]

Thank you Kevin for all the great vids love, your style of storytelling!!

[@thehistorysquad]

You're very welcome 👍🏻

[@theredwhirlwin]

They're painted so well! Thank you so much, I love these videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure 👍🏻

[@elainebezuidenhout162]

Amazing videos. I just recently discovered your channel and i must say it os one of the best. Thank you Elaine South Africa

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@dupeesfashionconsultant4204]

I've been excitedly awaiting the next video in this series, that was excellent

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🏻

[@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.

[@sharhune2735]

Great video, Kevin. I'm learning more history everytime I watch your channel. Take care.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, you too!

[@schwabrichard9829]

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

[@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 👍🏻

[@EtaoinShrdlu33]

Brilliant - and nicely painted models too!

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@sjohnson5813]

Great work here man. I can really feel the passion you have for this. You put a lot of work in the story telling and the models. Really appreciate it. Awesome content and some very interesting history.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@Allyourbase1990]

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

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome!

[@danielleclare2938]

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

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@rikijett310]

Excellent as always!!!!! 👍👍

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

Enjoyed it very much, thank you.

[@McFordWilliam]

Great video, you give an excellent impression of the battle. I love your Perry- Soldiers, it must have been a lot of work to paint them.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes it has been a lot of work so I really appreciate that, thanks 👍

[@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. 👍🏻

[@joek600]

Such a great presentation with your Perry Miniatures dioramas! Very inspiring too, as Im watching it while sculpting some war of the roses 28mm minis.

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah, I have some in the wings waiting for that next series. Thanks for watching. 👍🏻

[@horuslupercal9936]

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

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Was wondering when another video would drop, and here it is!

[@thehistorysquad]

I know right? I need the little banners just to keep track myself 😜

[@InOppositiontotheNewWorldOrder]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Free-Bodge79]

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

[@stuartpearson2993]

Just wanted to say thanks for this series on the 100 hundred years war I'm finding it really interesting

[@thehistorysquad]

That's great to hear, thank you 👍🏻

[@darrellgoss8890]

GREAT! -- MY ANCESTORS WERE JOHN OF GAUNT, THE PERCYS AND THE MORTIMERS. YOUR EXPLAINATION OF THIS BATTLE WAS AWESOME. I HAVE BEEN LISTENING FOR MANY MONTHS!

[@thehistorysquad]

That's great to hear, thanks! Cool lineage BTW

[@kycatfishguy671]

I've recently came across your channel and I've been binge watching your videos. Love the content and the quality of work you put into it. Especially the models you make. Great stuff. You got a new subscriber for sure

[@thehistorysquad]

That's very kind of you, thanks, & welcome aboard!

[@kelly-annejenner486]

Absolutely loved this series so fun and educational thankyou and again a fab model 👍🏻

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it. The next one I'm working on in this series will be a siege 👍🏻

[@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!

[@rosieintheposies3164]

Great model of yours! Your hard work shows! Thank you for sharing it with us, and thanks for the history lesson! :)

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure, cheers!

[@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!

[@kirkbrown8189]

Another great and informative video. Fascinating as ever , thanks!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@user-qp4hr1ov3w]

You also are a great modeller too! Perfect!!