1250-1500: Composition

• What will this pod focus on regarding the Army in medieval England?

  The composition of the Army
• What are the main components of the medieval Army?

  Infantry and cavalry
• What time period will be discussed for changes in the Army?

  1250 to 1500
• How did the size of armies change during medieval times?

  It varied depending on circumstances
• Did medieval England have a permanent standing army?

  No, it did not
• From where were armies typically assembled?

  From the general population
• What might a farmer be called to do in medieval England?

  Fight in a battle
• What was the typical size range of armies during this period?

  Between 5000 and 10,000 men
• What was the largest part of the medieval army?

  The infantry
• Who made up the infantry in medieval armies?

  Common, often untrained men
• How were infantry soldiers viewed in comparison to cavalry soldiers?

  As second class soldiers
• What weapons did infantry soldiers typically use?

  Swords, daggers, and pikes
• What type of protective gear did infantry soldiers wear?

  Padded leather jackets and skullcaps
• What was the smallest part of the medieval army?

  The cavalry
• Who comprised the cavalry in medieval armies?

  Soldiers mounted on horses from the nobility
• What social status did cavalry soldiers typically have?

  High social status
• What type of training did cavalry soldiers receive?

  Training in horsemanship and weapon use
• What protective gear did cavalry soldiers wear?

  Chain mail garments called huaberks
• How was the command of armies related to social status?

  It was directly related to hierarchy
• Who developed the feudal system in England?

  William the Conqueror
• What did the feudal system reward men with?

  Land and status for loyalty
• What type of titles did noble families usually hold?

  Hereditary titles
• What was the culture of chivalry in relation to nobles?

  Nobles were familiar with military skills
• How did nobles lead armies despite the lack of meritocracy?

  They led due to their family background
• How did knights treat each other according to the chivalric code?

  With respect, even as enemies
• What happened to knights who surrendered in battle?

  They were ransomed back
• What significant changes occurred in Army composition during the period?

  Rise of infantry and decline of cavalry
• What weapon caused a rise in infantry soldiers?

  The longbow
• What was the infantry to cavalry ratio in 1250?

  Two infantry soldiers for every cavalry soldier
• What was the infantry to cavalry ratio by 1500?

  Three infantry soldiers for every mounted knight
• Why was the longbow significant on the battlefield?

  It had power, range, and rate of fire
• What was necessary for soldiers using the longbow?

  Training to use it effectively
• How did the role of mounted knights change over time?

  They became more effective dismounted
• What formation did Scottish pikemen adopt?

  The schiltron formation
• What was the schiltron formation used for?

  Defensive against cavalry charges
• How long were the spears used in the schiltron?

  12 ft long
• What was the impact of the schiltron on cavalry charges?

  It killed charging horses and riders
• How did knights adapt their combat style as the war tactics evolved?

  They became more effective when dismounted
• How did infantry archers support knights in battle?

  By flanking them on either side