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Just six years after his magnificent victory at Agincourt (1415), King Henry V was already beginning to experience problems in recruiting men for his campaigns in France.Robert Waterton, Lord of Methley in the West Riding (Yorkshire), and steward of the northern lands of the Duchy of Lancaster, received a request from the King to recruit men of military age for wages. The response was probably not the one that King Henry would have hoped for.Excuses given by those approached included sickness, old aqe, or of unsuitable character. Some men even denied being 'Gentlemen' in order to avoid service in the King's army; some argued that they had already given service or had a close family member already fighting in France or Scotland. After questioning 100 men, Waterton was able to recruit just five.
Excuses given by those approached included sickness, old aqe, or of unsuitable character. Some men even denied being 'Gentlemen' in order to avoid service in the King's army; some argued that they had already given service or had a close family member already fighting in France or Scotland. After questioning 100 men, Waterton was able to recruit just five.
I am surprised that a volunteer army would be recruited back in those days. I'd think it would be mandatory as is the case with some countries even in modern times.
