C1250–c1500: Medieval warfare and English society - 1 The nature of…

The idea

The medieval army's composition reflected the rigid social hierarchy of the era. The infantry, primarily drawn from the lower classes, fought on foot using polearms and swords, forming the bulk of the army. Archers, often skilled commoners, provided crucial ranged support, increasingly dominating battlefields. The mounted knight, drawn from the nobility and wealthy elite, served as the elite shock cavalry, heavily armoured and highly trained. Army command was inextricably linked to social structure; kings and high-ranking nobles automatically assumed leadership roles regardless of military competence, while lower-ranking knights commanded smaller retinues. This meant that social status, rather than tactical ability, dictated the chain of command, ensuring the aristocracy maintained control over military power.

What earns the marks

• Identify the three main components of the medieval army: infantry, archers, and mounted knights.
• Describe the specific roles of each component, such as knights for shock charges and archers for ranged attacks.
• Explain how social class determined a soldier's role and equipment in the army.
• Analyse the relationship between the feudal hierarchy and military command structures.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming knights were the most numerous troops.

  Put it right: State that infantry and archers made up the vast majority of the army's numbers.

• Believing commanders were chosen for their tactical skill.

  Put it right: Explain that command was determined by social rank and land ownership, not military merit.

• Confusing the roles of infantry and archers.

  Put it right: Distinguish between the hand-to-hand combat role of the infantry and the ranged support role of the archers.

Exam tips

• Use specific examples of social ranks, such as earls or barons, when discussing army command.
• Link the cost of equipment, like plate armour and warhorses, to the social status of the mounted knight.
• When evaluating army effectiveness, consider how the socially determined command structure might lead to poor tactical decisions.