Edward the Black Prince
160/44; 64.5 MB total; sound quality excellent
Episode 1
Broadcast Wed 23 Jun 2010, 11:00
Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, was known as the Black Prince. Peter and Dan Snow follow in his footsteps to trace the start of the 100 Years' War between England and France, and to find out more about this great figure in 14th century chivalry.
Starting at his tomb in Canterbury they follow his footsteps to Normandy, where he was knighted at 16 and took part in the siege of Caen and the Battle of Crecy. In this great English victory, he commanded the English army, while his father Edward III looked on.
With the help of medieval historians Mark Ormrod and Craig Taylor, and the words of the chroniclers, Peter and Dan discover fascinating details about life in the middle ages at times of war, and about the early life of this great military commander.
Episode 2
Broadcast Wed 30 Jun 2010, 11:00
Peter and Dan Snow follow the Black PrinceÕs career from the time of his first great victory at Crecy to his triumphal years as ruler of all the English possessions in France.
From historians and chroniclers, they hear about the ravages of the Black Death and how Edward then re-established his military supremacy in France with armed raids known as "chevauchees", and a second decisive victory at Poitiers, where he took the French king prisoner.
Edward went on to further military success, but illness and poor decisions cost him much of the territory he had won. Finally he predeceased his father Edward III, having never consolidated his position as the greatest soldier of the age to become King of England himself.
Produced by Alyn Shipton
A Unique Production for BBC Radio 4.
Replies
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Thanks for everything. When do you find time to sleep and eat?? BTW, have you read a book called "The Plague Tales"? You'd love it. Just can't remember the author at the moment. Stay well. Effie