CHECK OUT HENRY V’S ACTUAL HANDWRITING

…and other seldom-seen treasures from the UK National Archives

Last night I had an amazing time at the UK National Archives in Kew. The event was a discussion of my book Henry V. But this was a talk with a twist.

My conversation partner, Dr Euan Roger, pulled out of the archives some original documents relating to Henry’s life, reign and the Agincourt campaign.

Most of these are seldom if ever seen by the public - so it was a real treat to see them shown them off, for one night only.

I thought I’d share a few highlights here - with thanks to Dr Roger and the National Archives for letting me see them.

Henry V’s ‘will’ and signature

Written in 1417 this is a document explaining arrangements for Henry’s lands in the event that he dies on campaign… fascinating in itself, but even more so because it features Henry’s signature…

The final sentence reads ‘This is my full will, God knoweth’ and is signed HR: Henricus Rex.

Retinue roll for the Agincourt campaign