The Siege of Harfleur Arriving at Harfleur on August 11, 1415, Henry faced a supposedly impregnable fortress. Surrounded by twenty-six towers and a deep moat, its walls stretched for over two kilometers. Despite its formidable defenses, the town fell under siege as Henry's army positioned its cannons and siege engines, initiating a grueling five-week assault. The Harsh Realities of Siege The siege quickly turned into a nightmare for both attackers and defenders. The marshy terrain, combined with the August heat, created unsanitary conditions that led to widespread illness among the besieging army. The limited food supply, consisting mainly of spoiled fruit and questionable seafood, further exacerbated the situation. The Earl of Suffolk, the Bishop of Norwich, and several…show more content… Despite these losses, Henry pressed on with his plans, informing his commanders of his intention to march towards Calais. The Risky March to Calais Henry's decision to march towards Calais seemed audacious to many. The terrain between Harfleur and Calais was treacherous, with hostile castles, fortified towns, and numerous rivers to navigate. Additionally, the English forces were vastly outnumbered, and they could expect resistance from the newly reinforced French army under Armagnac.
Challenges & March to Calais Despite being well aware of the challenges ahead, Henry had already made the decision to march towards Calais, issuing the order on October 8th. As the English prepared for a ground fight, the French heralds arrived to announce the proximity of their army and the English's proximity to the River Somme. The two armies did not meet immediately, with the actual encounter occurring three days later near the River Ternoise. Despite initial difficulties securing the bridge, the English managed to cross and faced the French army across the river. Observing the French army's preparedness and recognizing his numerical
