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IMC 2015: Sessions

Session 624: Transition and Change in Later Medieval War, II: Preparing for War

Tuesday 7 July 2015, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds
Organisers:Trevor Russell Smith, Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds
Iason-Eleftherios Tzouriadis, Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds
Moderator/Chair:Alan V. Murray, Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds
Paper 624-aFighting Talk for the Fighting Bishop: Textual Representations of Warfare in the 'Spalding' Manuscript (c. 1400)
(Language: English)
Sophie Harwood, Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds
Index terms: Language and Literature - French or Occitan, Manuscripts and Palaeography, Military History, Social History
Paper 624-b'[…] or thrust him to the face; that is good.': Staff Weapons in 15th-Century Fighting Manuals and Concepts of Fighting
(Language: English)
Iason-Eleftherios Tzouriadis, Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds
Index terms: Art History - General, Military History, Technology
Paper 624-cSmugglers, Slavery, and Specialisation: The 14th-Century Challenges and Organisations of the London Armourers
(Language: English)
Brad Kirkland, Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York
Index terms: Daily Life, Economics - Trade, Economics - Urban, Military History
Abstract

This session explores how changing theory, texts, and material production helped to prepare men for war in the later Middle Ages. Ms Harwood examines such themes as strategy, political planning, triumph, and hardship in the c. 1400 'Spalding' Manuscript’s texts, and how this reveals the interests and values of the text’s patron, Henry Despenser. Mr Tzouriadis examines the increasing emphasis and formalization of staff weapon combat in 15th-century fighting manuals, and will argue that this reflects a recognition of their increasing use and importance. He will also explore the complimentary instruction of text and image, and varied contemporary interpretations in marginalia. Mr Kirkland explores developing craftsmanship, production, and market implications of London's armour smiths in the 14th century, and how this affected contemporary war.