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Arrows, arrowheads, and armour were definitely reused. The Shakespearean "cry havoc" was permission for the men to pillage. In other words, the battle is won, g

Arrows, arrowheads, and armour were definitely reused. The Shakespearean "cry havoc" was permission for the men to pillage. In other words, the battle is won, get looting! There were harsh penalties, like death, for an early cry.

benj111 8y ago
I did not know that. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cry-havoc-and-let-slip-the-dogs-of-war.html https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cry-havoc-and-let-slip-t... I also thought that line was from Henry V. So that's 2 things I've learnt. Would pillaging not have been for more valuable stuff rather than armour in and of itself though? I appreciate theres probably some overlap.
- NeedMoreTea 8y ago
  Expect many liberties to keep length sane. First thing to find was significant survivors for ransoming back to the enemy. A good chance to loot for gear. The levied men, as opposed to those in a Lord's retinue, were often little more than a poor unskilled peasant with knife, a little later they were expected to turn up with at least a knife and bow or for better status a polearm, shield and helmet. By Agincourt there weren't many levied men in use. They might find their first mail shirt (with a couple of holes) to loot, or a better weapon. Maybe a leather jerkin with more hit points. ;) There's obviously the more traditional plunder if you capture a town, but the travelling army would constantly loot and raid locally to supply and eat on the way there and back. Lords would expect any fancy valuables. We often get totally the wrong idea from TV and film where everyone from way back has a distinct and new uniform with common colour, a nice crest (reserved for nobles), and nicely matching shields and flags. I get the idea if it became hand to hand it would be bloody near impossible to tell friend from foe. The children or archers would go searching for arrows at the end of every battle for any that could be reused. Most would be damaged of course. Anything to increase supply was worth it as they fired so many. Hope that gives a flavour. :)
  - benj111 8y ago
    <quote>I get the idea if it became hand to hand it would be bloody near impossible to tell friend from foe</quote> Indeed, England had lands in France throughout the period. Checking if they spoke English wasn't a reliable indicator.

benj111 8y ago

I did not know that. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cry-havoc-and-let-slip-the-dogs-of-war.html https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cry-havoc-and-let-slip-t... I also thought that line was from Henry V. So that's 2 things I've learnt. Would pillaging not have been for more valuable stuff rather than armour in and of itself though? I appreciate theres probably some overlap.

NeedMoreTea 8y ago
Expect many liberties to keep length sane. First thing to find was significant survivors for ransoming back to the enemy. A good chance to loot for gear. The levied men, as opposed to those in a Lord's retinue, were often little more than a poor unskilled peasant with knife, a little later they were expected to turn up with at least a knife and bow or for better status a polearm, shield and helmet. By Agincourt there weren't many levied men in use. They might find their first mail shirt (with a couple of holes) to loot, or a better weapon. Maybe a leather jerkin with more hit points. ;) There's obviously the more traditional plunder if you capture a town, but the travelling army would constantly loot and raid locally to supply and eat on the way there and back. Lords would expect any fancy valuables. We often get totally the wrong idea from TV and film where everyone from way back has a distinct and new uniform with common colour, a nice crest (reserved for nobles), and nicely matching shields and flags. I get the idea if it became hand to hand it would be bloody near impossible to tell friend from foe. The children or archers would go searching for arrows at the end of every battle for any that could be reused. Most would be damaged of course. Anything to increase supply was worth it as they fired so many. Hope that gives a flavour. :)
- benj111 8y ago
  <quote>I get the idea if it became hand to hand it would be bloody near impossible to tell friend from foe</quote> Indeed, England had lands in France throughout the period. Checking if they spoke English wasn't a reliable indicator.