On October 25th 1415, Henry V of England took on the mighty French forces at the Battle of Agincourt. Despite being heavily outnumbered, his troops won. It would become one of the most legendary victories in English history - a tale of bravery and triumph against all the odds, inspiring everyone from Shakespeare to Churchill to Kenneth Branagh. But how much of the story we know today is true and how much has been twisted to suit later politics? What really happened at Agincourt?

In this programme, historical conflict analyst Prof. Michael Livingston journeys through northern France in the footsteps of Henry V and his army, from Harfleur to Agincourt. He explores the vital role of Henry's archers, and works with master arrowsmith and fletcher Will Sherman to explore the finely honed technology that helped win the day.

Following Henry's onward route, first to Arques and then to the Somme River, Michael explores the question: was Henry seeking battle or running away? His forces were suffering from illness - was getting home more important than defeating the French?

Finally, at Agincourt, Michael reveals his theory of where the battle really took place, and meets medieval arms and armour expert Dr Marina Viallon, who helps to reconstruct the battle blow by blow. He unpacks how much of the English victory was down to Henry and his army, and how much was sheer luck.

If you want to find out even more about this incredible battle, listen to Prof. Michael Livingston in conversation with History Hit host Matt Lewis on 'Gone Medieval' (ad free for all our subscribers): https://podfollow.com/gone-medieval/view