The Feast Day Connection
One of the most enduring aspects of Agincourt is that it was fought on Saint Crispin’s Day, the feast of Crispin and Crispinian, twin brothers and martyrs from Roman times, known as the patron saints of shoemakers. Though seemingly unrelated to warfare, the coincidence of the battle falling on a holy day imbued it with symbolic power.
Henry V capitalized on this timing. According to Shakespeare’s famous dramatization, he delivered the "Saint Crispin's Day Speech" to rouse his men, emphasizing camaraderie, valor, and the honor of fighting on a saint's day. While the speech is fictional, it reflects the real medieval belief in the sanctity of holy days. Fighting and winning on such a day was seen as a divine sign, enhancing the legitimacy of the cause and glorifying those who took part.
The Use of Relics and Sacred Objects
Carrying the Sacred into Battle
The medieval battlefield was not devoid of sacred objects. English armies often carried relics of saints, crosses, or consecrated banners into combat. These objects were believed to possess protective powers and served as reminders of the Christian mission and cause.
Though records are scarce, it is likely that Henry V’s army carried relics or images of St. George or even holy water to bless the troops and ward off evil. Chroniclers like Jean de Wavrin and Enguerrand de Monstrelet mention the deep religious sentiment in the English camp.
French knights also had their own devotions, often dedicated to the Virgin Mary or their local saintly patrons. Heraldic banners with religious symbols and prayers etched into armor or carried in pockets were common.
These spiritual symbols had a dual role: psychological armor in the face of fear and death, and visible signs of allegiance to God’s will shutdown123