"Armies of Plantagenet England, 1135-1337" Topic

"The ascent of the Plantagenets to the English throne in 1154 led to the beginning of a new historical phase in the British Isles, which was marked by numerous wars that were fought between the Kingdom of England and the 'Celtic nations' of Wales, Scotland and Ireland. During the rule of the Norman kings, the English armies had not completed the conquest of Wales and had established only some footholds in Ireland; Scotland was still independent and was ready to contest the Plantagenets' possession of northern England. As a result of this situation, the two centuries between the rise of the new dynasty and the beginning of the Hundred Years' War were characterized by a series of wars that ravaged feudal England. Gabriele Esposito covers all these conflicts, following the campaigns of Richard the Lionheart as well as those of his younger brother who was defeated on the continent at the large Battle of Bouvines; the conquest of Wales is analysed in detail, as well as the First Scottish War of Independence that saw William Wallace playing a prominent role. The organization and equipment of all the troop types taken into account is described in full detail and lavishly illustrated with colour images of reenactors, bringing these forces to life…"

See here

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Armand

A curious fact is that no king of England, or claimant to the throne, referred to himself as 'Plantagenet' – the soubriquet of Geoffrey of Count of Anjou (Gaufredus cognomento Plantagenest)- and it wasn't until the 1360-70s that we find members of the House of York using the term.

Another is that no Welshman, Irishman or Scotsman- wait for it…- called himself a Celt till the C18th

Thanks.

Armand