Media Announcement – 600 years ago Henry V set sail for France

600 years ago Henry V set sail for France, his expedition culminating in the battle of Agincourt on 25 October. That English and Welsh victory over the French inspired legends, myths, great literature and historical controversy.

To commemorate this historic event the Agincourt 600 Trust is supporting projects that can raise awareness, educate, support historical analysis and provide a legacy for commemorating the battle.

The Agincourt 600 Trust is the charity established to support the anniversary. Earlier this year (2015) the Trust became the recipient of funding from the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) to provide grants to bodies that are creating projects for the anniversary.

One of the first successful applications is a project by the Woodland Trust. The Trust will create Agincourt groves by planting trees at one Woodland Trust site in each of the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland and N Ireland). In England the site selected will be Home Farm in Hampshire where the intention is to create 10 “roundels” of 6 trees each in a parkland setting. Hampshire has strong historic connections with Agincourt, from there the army gathered ready to set sail from Porchester Castle.

In addition the Woodland Trust then plans to create up to a further 10 individual tree locations around the country with ties to the Agincourt history.

“The positions of the woods on the battlefield and how they were used by Henry’s archers for cover is part of the Agincourt battle story– how fitting therefore, that part of the commemoration is the planting of new trees 600 years after the event. It will provide a wonderful legacy for future generations to enjoy.” Dr Sinclair Rogers and Professor Anne Curry, chairs of Agincourt 600 Trust.

“We are delighted to be adding to the commemorations of Agincourt 600 with the planting of historically important and regional trees. It is a reminder of the role the rural landscape played in the everyday lives of those people 600 years ago and a legacy to be cherished today.” John Tucker, Woodland Trust Director of Woodland Creation

The commemorations and project planned include a service at Westminster Abbey, conferences, exciting educational projects and community events. The Agincourt 600 website contains information on all our activities and history articles. You can also follow us on twitter @agin600 for all the latest news.

Applications for grants can be made through our website here: GRANTS

Notes to editors

For further information contact:
Paula Kitching on info@agincourt600.com

Agincourt 600 is a registered charity created to encourage a greater understanding and awareness of the Battle of Agincourt and the 100 Years’ War.
Key supporters of Agincourt 600 are the Agincourt 600 Committee and the “warrior” livery companies in the City of London. These are: Armourers and Brasiers, Bowyers, Cutlers, Fletchers and the Gunmakers.

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading charity championing native woods and trees. It has over 400,000 supporters.
The Trust has three key aims: i) plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife ii) protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable iii) restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life.

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its woods is free.

For further information contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 581121 or email chrishickman@woodlandtrust.org.uk