Alex’s Reviews > The Hundred Years War: England and France at War, c.1300-c.1450 > Status Update

"In the structuring characteristic of medieval society, it was possible for men to move from one grade to another, to move up and, sometimes, down. They could improve their social and material standing in society through, for instance, education, connection and service. War was also an important way of achieving social distinction and advancement."

John Bromyard, a Dominican, wrote in 1360 that war must only be waged if the ruler can pay for it.

"In France the thirteenth century had witnessed a gradual advance in what was regarded as a vassal’s obligation, from defence of his lord (the king) to defence of the crown (the corona) and, by the end of the century, defence of the kingdom (the regnum)."

The "arriere-ban" existed only since the beginning of the 13th century, and did not have to mean military service, but could mean payment or providing tools. It also exclusively served defensive needs.

The Hundred Years War was waged by volunteer armies on land (sailors were conscripted). After 1385, armies obliged to go to war to fulfill their feudal obligations were a thing of the past.

"Payment was never made for a vessel taken from its owner for royal service; nor was compensation for loss of a ship, or even damage to its equipment, normally given. In brief, requisitioning was unpopular, not least since it was often carried out in the period between spring and autumn when trading and fishing conditions might normally be expected to be better than at other times of the year."

Good info, too, on the role of the nobility in the war.