In the Steps of the Black Prince

Peter Hoskins delivers a meticulously researched account of one of medieval warfare's most significant campaigns in this detailed examination of Edward, the Black Prince's chevauchée through France in 1355-1356. The book traces the military expedition that culminated in the Battle of Poitiers, a decisive English victory during the Hundred Years' War that resulted in the capture of French King John II.

Hoskins approaches this historical narrative with the methodical eye of someone who has walked the actual terrain covered by the Black Prince's army. The author's commitment to retracing the campaign route on foot provides the work with a distinctive perspective that sets it apart from purely archival histories. This ground-level approach allows for observations about logistics, geography, and military strategy that might otherwise remain abstract concepts in a traditional military history.

The narrative follows the Black Prince's army as it departed from Bordeaux in October 1355, moving through the heartland of southwestern France. Hoskins details the systematic devastation wrought by this chevauchée, a form of medieval warfare designed to undermine an opponent's economic base and demonstrate the inability of the French crown to protect its subjects. The book examines the towns, villages, and landscapes that fell within the path of the English forces, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the campaign's scope and impact.

One of the work's strengths lies in its attention to the practical aspects of medieval military campaigns. Hoskins explores questions of supply, movement rates, and the challenges of maintaining discipline and cohesion in an army that included not only English knights and men-at-arms but also Gascon allies and various mercenary contingents. The difficulties of moving thousands of soldiers, along with their horses, baggage trains, and plunder, across medieval France emerge as central concerns that shaped strategic decisions.

The author draws upon contemporary chronicles, administrative records, and archaeological evidence to reconstruct the campaign's progression. This multi-source approach lends credibility to the narrative while acknowledging the limitations and biases inherent in medieval sources. The chronicles of Jean Froissart and Geoffrey le Baker, among others, provide contemporary perspectives on the campaign, though Hoskins maintains appropriate scholarly caution about their reliability and potential embellishments.

The book's treatment of the Battle of Poitiers itself benefits from the author's familiarity with the battlefield terrain. Hoskins analyzes the tactical decisions made by both the Black Prince and King John II, examining how the landscape influenced the engagement's outcome. The defensive position chosen by the English forces, the role of archers, and the crucial errors made by the French command all receive careful consideration. The battle's outcome, resulting in a catastrophic French defeat and the capture of their king, represented a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years' War.

Hoskins also addresses the broader political and dynastic context surrounding the campaign. The complex web of allegiances in southwestern France, where English holdings in Gascony bordered French territories, created a volatile political situation. The author explains how the campaign fit into Edward III's larger strategic objectives and the ongoing dispute over the French succession that underpinned the conflict.

The work includes practical information for those interested in visiting the sites associated with the campaign, reflecting Hoskins's own journey through the region. This aspect makes the book valuable not only as a historical account but also as a resource for military history enthusiasts and travelers interested in medieval battlefields. The geographic descriptions help readers visualize the landscape as it would have appeared to fourteenth-century armies, though Hoskins acknowledges the changes that centuries have brought to the region.

While the book maintains a clear focus on the military campaign, it also touches upon the wider implications of the chevauchée strategy. The deliberate targeting of civilian populations and economic infrastructure raises questions about medieval warfare's nature that resonate beyond the specific events of 1355-1356. The devastation inflicted on French territories had long-lasting economic and social consequences that extended well beyond the immediate military objectives.

This work serves as a valuable contribution to the literature on the Hundred Years' War and medieval military history. Hoskins combines scholarly rigor with accessible prose, making complex military and political situations comprehensible without oversimplification. The book will appeal to readers seeking a detailed understanding of this crucial campaign and those interested in the practical realities of medieval warfare. The unique perspective gained from physically retracing the campaign route adds a dimension that enriches the historical analysis throughout.