The Road to Conquest: Henry V’s Strategic Ambitions

In the summer of 1417, King Henry V of England launched a massive invasion of Normandy, marking a decisive phase in the Hundred Years’ War. Unlike his earlier campaign in 1415, which culminated in the famous Battle of Agincourt, this expedition aimed at long-term territorial conquest rather than a swift military strike. Henry assembled an impressive force—chronicles suggest a fleet of over 1,500 ships transporting approximately 16,000 soldiers, including knights, longbowmen, and support personnel. The army was structured under feudal contracts, with nobles such as the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Warwick, and other regional lords contributing specified numbers of troops.

Henry’s strategic choice to land at the mouth of the Touques River, between Deauville and Trouville, rather than the war-ravaged port of Harfleur, demonstrated his logistical foresight. Normandy’s fertile lands could sustain his army, and the wide coastal area allowed for efficient disembarkation of heavy siege equipment. Once ashore, the English established a secure foothold, sending reconnaissance parties to probe French defenses while the bulk of the force prepared for a sustained campaign.

The Fall of Caen: A Turning Point in Normandy

The first major objective was Caen, a prosperous city and political center of Lower Normandy. Its capture would provide Henry with a winter base and control over vital supply routes. The English advance was swift: the Duke of Clarence seized key positions, including the fortified abbeys of Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames, which overlooked Caen’s defenses. By mid-August, Henry’s main force joined the siege, bombarding the city with artillery and launching repeated assaults.

Despite fierce resistance—boiling oil, flaming projectiles, and crushing counterattacks—the English gradually wore down Caen’s defenders. A combination of relentless cannon fire, undermining of walls, and coordinated attacks from multiple directions led to the city’s fall in early September. The aftermath was brutal: nearly a third of Caen’s population perished in the sack, despite Henry’s orders to spare civilians. The conquest sent shockwaves through Normandy, demoralizing French garrisons and accelerating surrenders in nearby towns like Bayeux.

The Broader Conflict: France’s Civil War and Diplomatic Maneuvers

While Henry tightened his grip on Normandy, France was paralyzed by internal strife. The Armagnac-Burgundian civil war raged on, with Duke John the Fearless of Burgundy seizing key towns near Paris. His forces outmatched the Armagnac loyalists, who were also struggling to counter the English invasion. The French Dauphin, Charles, lacked military experience and resources, leaving Normandy vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Henry exploited regional rivalries, securing neutrality agreements with Brittany and Anjou. These diplomatic victories isolated Normandy further, allowing the English to focus on methodical conquests. By winter, key strongholds like Falaise—birthplace of William the Conqueror—fell after prolonged sieges. Henry’s administrative reforms, including appointing loyal officials and minting new coinage, signaled his intent to rule, not just raid.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Henry V’s 1417-1418 campaign reshaped the Hundred Years’ War. Unlike the fleeting triumph of Agincourt, this invasion established enduring English control over Normandy, paving the way for the Treaty of Troyes (1420), which named Henry heir to the French throne. The campaign also highlighted the devastating effectiveness of combined arms—longbowmen, artillery, and siege tactics—against medieval fortifications.

For France, the invasion exposed the catastrophic consequences of division. The Armagnac-Burgundian feud crippled national resistance, while Henry’s alliance with Burgundy and manipulation of regional lords underscored the fragility of French unity. The occupation lasted decades, leaving a legacy of resentment that fueled Joan of Arc’s rebellion in the 1420s.

Today, Henry V’s Normandy campaign remains a case study in medieval warfare, illustrating the interplay of strategy, logistics, and political fragmentation. Its echoes resonate in discussions of military occupation and the challenges of governing conquered territories—a timeless lesson in the costs of war and ambition.