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Epilogue
Henry V’s life was short but packed full of activity, most of which was self-generated. He was one of England’s busiest kings. His behaviour as prince was the product of impatience. He wanted to be king and was frustrated at his father’s style of government. Having held the reins of power in 1410–11, he was doubly frustrated when they were taken from him, something which in turn triggered political misbehaviour as well as disengagement. After his accession he had much to disprove as well as prove. He took up the role of king with a vengeance, quickening the pace as well as the reach of royal government. He was resolved to get things done, whether it be in establishing law and order or in advancing the faith. He emphasized, but also drew strength from, his special relationship with God.
Henry grew in confidence over his years as king, learning from experience and gaining respect both at home and abroad for his firm but fair rule. He expected high standards from himself as well as from others. In France, he was conscious of the need to win hearts and minds as well as wars but did not shrink from using limited acts of cruelty to encourage submission. In England, too, he acted swiftly and harshly when challenged but also ensured the law was upheld and public order preserved for the benefit of the common good.
Such actions reveal a man of immense energy and foresight, as well as natural intelligence. Henry was able both to deal with many things at once and to give attention to detail. His surviving letters, through their lack of flowery language, demonstrate a brisk and direct style.1 He was adroit in the use of written political communication, especially in his increasing use of English for public pronouncements, which persuaded at least one livery company, the Brewers, to adopt the vernacular in 1422 because the king had done so.2
Contemporaries saw him as a king of many talents. For the chronicler Thomas Walsingham he was, alongside his singular achievements as a warrior, monastic founder and devoted servant of God, ‘sparing and discreet in word, astute in counsel, wise in judgement, modest in his looks but magnificent in action, steadfast in all he undertook to do’.3 For John Strecche, at the Augustinian priory of Kenilworth, close to the special location which Henry created in the castle grounds for reflection and relaxation, Henry was
Julius in intellect, Hector in valour, Achilles in strength, Augustus in habits, with the eloquence of Paris … another Solomon in judgement, a Troilus in the caring love of the heart … if death had come to Henry V armed in the manner of a soldier, I believe Henry would have been the victor, for this king was never overcome in war.4