English forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orléans in the Battle of the Herrings.

Sir John Fastolf: A Complex Figure of the Hundred Years' War

Sir John Fastolf, born on 6 November 1380 and passing on 5 November 1459, stands as a prominent late medieval English landowner and knight. His life was significantly shaped by the turbulent Hundred Years' War, where he served with distinction as a military commander, gaining considerable experience and reputation. While he is often remembered today for a different reason, his genuine contributions to English society and warfare during a pivotal era deserve closer examination.

Beyond the Falstaff Caricature

Perhaps Fastolf's most enduring, though arguably distorted, legacy stems from his association with Shakespeare's iconic character, Sir John Falstaff. Many literary scholars and historians have long identified Fastolf as a partial prototype for the playwright's jovial, cowardly, and often disreputable knight. However, this connection has frequently overshadowed the historical truth, creating a popular misconception of the real Fastolf.

A strong argument can be made that Sir John Fastolf merits fame in his own right, not merely as a shadow behind a literary creation. Historical records reveal a figure far removed from Shakespeare's caricature: a skilled soldier, a shrewd administrator, a patron of arts and learning, a forward-thinking writer on military strategy, and potentially even an early proponent of industrial or advanced agricultural management techniques on his extensive estates.

A Distinguished Military Career

Fastolf's military career was both long and distinguished. He participated in numerous significant campaigns and engagements during the Hundred Years' War, serving under some of England's most notable commanders, including Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence, and John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford. His service included the pivotal Battle of Agincourt in 1415, though he fought in the duke of Clarence's retinue rather than with King Henry V directly, and a period as governor of several French territories, where he gained valuable experience in administration and siege warfare. He was known for his pragmatic approach to combat and logistics, often prioritizing the safety of his men and the strategic advantage over impulsive heroism, a trait that sometimes drew criticism but consistently proved effective.

Renaissance Man in Medieval Guise: Patron, Strategist, Innovator

Fastolf's interests extended far beyond the battlefield, hinting at a breadth of intellect unusual for his time.

The Battle of the Herrings (Rouvray): A Crucial Supply Line Clash

The Battle of the Herrings, also known as the Battle of Rouvray, was a pivotal military engagement that occurred near the town of Rouvray, just north of Orléans in France, on 12 February 1429. This clash took place during the arduous Siege of Orléans, a critical phase of the Hundred Years' War that would soon see the emergence of Joan of Arc.

The Desperate Need for Supplies

The immediate catalyst for the battle was a concerted effort by combined French and Scottish forces to intercept a vital English supply convoy. For several months, since October of the previous year, the English army had been laying siege to the strategically important city of Orléans. As winter wore on, maintaining the morale and fighting capability of the besieging army depended heavily on a steady flow of provisions and equipment from English-held territories. This particular convoy was indispensable, carrying much-needed sustenance and materiel to sustain the prolonged siege.

Interception and Engagement

The Franco-Scottish intercepting force, led by Charles of Bourbon, Count of Clermont, and Sir John Stewart of Darnley, aimed to cripple the English war effort by cutting off their supplies. However, the English convoy was exceptionally well-escorted by a seasoned force under the command of Sir John Fastolf. Originating from Paris, which was under English control at the time, the convoy had departed some time earlier, carefully navigating through hostile territory.

Tactical Mastery and Decisive Victory

According to the meticulous research of historian Régine Pernoud, the supply train was a massive undertaking, comprising "some 300 carts and wagons." These vehicles carried a diverse and crucial cargo, including "crossbow shafts, cannons and cannonballs" to replenish the English arsenal. Unusually, a significant portion of the convoy also consisted of "barrels of herring." The presence of this substantial stock of fish was no accident; the meatless Lenten days were fast approaching, making herring an essential, permissible foodstuff for the English troops during this religious period. It was this particular and somewhat unusual cargo that gave the battle its distinctive and memorable name.

Upon encountering the Franco-Scottish forces, Fastolf's English troops skillfully formed a defensive wagon laager, a mobile fort created by circling their carts and wagons. This improvised fortification provided excellent cover for their archers and crossbowmen. The French and Scottish, primarily cavalry, launched several charges against the English position but were repelled with heavy losses due to the concentrated volleys of English longbows and crossbows. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the English, who successfully protected their precious cargo and continued their advance towards Orléans. While a morale boost for the English, this victory alone would not be enough to break the siege, as events would soon dramatically shift with the arrival of Joan of Arc.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir John Fastolf and the Battle of the Herrings

Who was Sir John Fastolf?
Sir John Fastolf was a prominent English knight, landowner, and military commander during the Hundred Years' War. Born in 1380, he was known for his extensive service in France, administrative prowess, and diverse interests including literature and military strategy, dying in 1459.
What was Sir John Fastolf's role in the Battle of the Herrings?
Sir John Fastolf commanded the English escort force protecting a vital supply convoy destined for the English army besieging Orléans. He expertly defended the convoy against a determined Franco-Scottish attack, ensuring the safe passage of crucial provisions and securing a decisive English victory.
Why is it called the Battle of the Herrings?
The battle earned its unique name because a significant portion of the supply convoy's cargo consisted of barrels of herring. These fish were essential provisions for the English troops, as the meatless Lenten fast was approaching, making them a permissible and vital food source during that religious period.
How did the historical Sir John Fastolf differ from Shakespeare's Falstaff?
While Sir John Fastolf is widely considered a partial inspiration for Shakespeare's Sir John Falstaff, the historical figure was a highly capable and courageous military leader, a shrewd administrator, and a man of considerable wealth and influence. This contrasts sharply with Shakespeare's portrayal of Falstaff as a jovial, cowardly, and morally ambiguous character.