A sword from the last battle of the Hundred Years War? With Keeper of Edged Weapons, Henry Yallop

Published on February 6, 2023
Duration: 17:50

This video provides an in-depth look at a mid-to-late 15th-century two-handed sword, identified as Class 91787 by the Royal Armouries. Keeper of Edged Weapons, Henry Yallop, details its typology, historical association with the Battle of Castillon (the final battle of the Hundred Years' War), and its reproduction in collaboration with Windlass Swords. The discussion covers the sword's construction, including its fishtail pommel, grip, crossguard, and Oakeshott Type XVIIIb blade, highlighting its rarity and potential as an English type.

Quick Summary

The Class 91787 is a mid-to-late 15th-century two-handed sword associated with the Battle of Castillon (1453), the final battle of the Hundred Years' War. It features a fishtail pommel, a rare surviving organic grip, and an Oakeshott Type XVIIIb blade, making it a significant artifact for historical study and replica production.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction with Henry Yallop
  2. 00:04Class 91787: Mid 15th Century Two-Handed Sword
  3. 00:23Collaboration with Windlass Swords
  4. 00:44Sword Typology and Historical Context
  5. 00:56Association with the Battle of Castillon (1453)
  6. 01:15End of the Hundred Years' War
  7. 01:30Provenance and Historical Significance
  8. 01:56Detailed Examination of the Sword
  9. 02:38The Pommel: Fishtail Type
  10. 03:13Silver Traces on the Pommel
  11. 03:34The Grip: Organic Material Survival
  12. 04:02Grip Composition: Hardwood (Ash/Oak)
  13. 05:01The Crossguard: Keyhole Shape
  14. 05:29The Blade: Oakeshott Type XVIIIb
  15. 05:47Blade Cross-Section: Flattened Diamond
  16. 06:06Cut and Thrust Capabilities
  17. 06:35Traces of Wooden Scabbard
  18. 06:51The Castillon Horde: Group B Swords
  19. 07:17Comparison with One-Handed Group B Swords
  20. 07:53Dimensions: Total Length and Blade Length
  21. 08:11Contemporary Larger Swords
  22. 08:29More on the Castillon Horde
  23. 08:33Discovery of the Horde (Dordogne River)
  24. 08:53Mystery of the Horde's Origin
  25. 09:03Recommended Reading: Clive Thomas Article
  26. 09:27Possible Scenarios: Loot vs. Supply Run
  27. 10:34Dating and Provenance of Horde Swords
  28. 11:01Similar Swords in Historical Texts
  29. 11:11Makers' Marks and Passau Association
  30. 11:40Challenges in National Sword Typology
  31. 12:09Argument for an English Sword Type
  32. 13:36Recreation Project Overview
  33. 13:45Selection Criteria for Replicas
  34. 14:25The Recreation Process
  35. 14:41Meticulous Measurement and Prototyping
  36. 15:10Forensic Level Analysis
  37. 15:32Challenges of Preserving Medieval Swords
  38. 15:53Replicas and the Wielding Experience
  39. 16:17Accessibility of Replicas
  40. 16:36Supporting the Collection Through Sales
  41. 17:02Where to Purchase Replicas
  42. 17:13Royal Armouries as a Charity
  43. 17:24Call for Donations
  44. 17:33Like and Subscribe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the sword discussed in the video?

The sword, identified as Class 91787, is a mid-to-late 15th-century two-handed sword associated with the Battle of Castillon in 1453. This battle marked the end of the Hundred Years' War and resulted in England losing control of Gascony.

What are the key features of the Class 91787 two-handed sword?

Key features include a fishtail pommel (Oakeshott Type V1), a grip with surviving organic material (wood and leather fragments), a keyhole-shaped crossguard, and an Oakeshott Type XVIIIb blade with a flattened diamond cross-section and slight hollow grind.

What is the Castillon Horde and its relevance?

The Castillon Horde is a collection of approximately 80 swords discovered in the Dordogne River, believed to be from the period of the Battle of Castillon. The swords are categorized into groups, and this particular sword belongs to Group B, representing less numerous types within the horde.

Can this sword be definitively linked to the Battle of Castillon?

While associated with the Battle of Castillon, the sword cannot be definitively linked to that specific event. However, its provenance is considered exceptionally good for a medieval sword, offering strong contextual evidence.

What is the significance of the collaboration between the Royal Armouries and Windlass Swords?

This collaboration resulted in high-quality replicas of distinct and important historical swords from the Royal Armouries' collection. The process involved meticulous measurements and multiple review rounds to ensure accuracy, providing a tangible experience of these historical weapons.

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