4 - Triumph and disaster: Henry V, the collapse of the Anglo-Burgundian alliance and the resurgence of France

Summary

At the end of 1396, Calais and its immediate surroundings were the scene of a major diplomatic encounter, following the signing of a truce between Charles vi of France and Richard ii of England. The elaborate ceremonies surrounding the marriage of Richard to Isabella, the seven-year-old daughter of the French king, were conducted at the same time. These events were the culmination of prolonged negotiations and preparations, but they finally took place after the expenditure of much time and a great deal of money. The meeting between the kings was held at a specially prepared encampment outside Ardres. Full details of the ceremonial used on this occasion survive, recorded by an eye-witness. Richard arrived clad in a long scarlet gown emblazoned with his personal badge of the white hart. Charles wore a shorter one decorated with the device of a bend sable engrailed argent, apparently in memory of Richard's first wife Anne of Bohemia. With scrupulous care, to avoid giving either precedence over the other, the two kings advanced to greet each other at a central point; at the moment of meeting, all the members of their large entourages knelt. The monarchs then threw back the hoods on their robes, shook hands and kissed. The most prominent nobility present offered wine and sweetmeats, and suitable gifts were exchanged. Considerable thought had clearly gone into the choice of these, with neither wishing to be outshone by the other.