Agincourt

The Battle of Agincourt, on 25 October 1415, is one of the best-known events in British history. The story of the epic defeat by Henry V’s forces of a much larger French army has been immortalised in tales, plays and poetry familiar to all. What is less well known is the role played by Wales in Henry’s stirring victory. Henry V was born in 1386 at Monmouth Castle (now a regimental museum), perched high above the River Monnow. Five hundred Welsh archers and 23 men-at-arms travelled to fight in France – many of them from the Monmouthshire region – along with a contingent of archers and miners from the Forest of Dean.

600th Anniversary of Agincourt

Building on the success of the 600th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Agincourt in 2015, a new interpretation trail was developed to commemorate South Wales’ Agincourt connections. The Agincourt Wales Trail links eight locations across the region, telling the stories of the people and places that played a role in the famous battle. The Agincourt 600 Wales Legacy Group worked with the Woodland Trust to plant trees at many of the locations to provide a permanent memorial which will grow and develop as the years go by. There are information plaques at each of the locations and following the trail allows visitors to learn more about the Agincourt story as they explore the region. 

Download a copy of the trail in PDF here. The eight points on the trail are:

1. Trecastle
Visit the home village of a number of Agincourt fighters, including Watkin Lloyd, said to be captain of the Brecknock contingent. Follow the Trail at Trecastle Village Hall.

2. Brecon
Learn about the noblemen and local archers who fought at Agincourt. Follow the Trail from Brecon Promenade to Brecon Cathedral.

3. Tretower
A possible muster point for Henry V’s army in 1415, and family home of the descendants of Agincourt hero Roger Vaughan of Bredwardine. Follow the Trail at Tretower Court and Castle.

4. Abergavenny
See the tomb of Agincourt hero William ap Thomas and his wife Gwladys at St Mary’s Priory Church, the ‘Westminster Abbey of Wales’. Follow the Trail at St Mary’s Priory Church.

5. Raglan
Home of William ap Thomas, ‘The Blue Knight of Gwent’ who fought alongside Henry V at the Battle. Follow the Trail at Raglan Castle.

6. Monmouth
Birthplace of Agincourt victor Henry V. See the King in Agincourt Square, in the stained glass window of St Mary’s Priory Church and in the wall hanging in the Shire Hall. Follow the Trail at Monmouth Castle.

7. St Briavels
The heart of the St Briavels Hundred, an area that provided over 100 miners to Henry V’s war efforts. Follow the Trail at The Tump outside St Briavels Castle.

8. Caldicot
Ancestral home of the de Bohuns, Henry V’s maternal family, and Sir William Bourchier, one of the King’s most trusted knights. Follow the Trail at Caldicot Castle.