Agincourt 600 Wales Legacy Group projects developing the story of the Welsh archers and the battle of Agincourt 1415

The Agincourt 600 Wales Legacy Group has been successful in obtaining funding to carry out eight small projects in Breconshire, Monmouthshire and Forest of Dean to expand knowledge of the Welsh archers who fought at the famous battle and to better communicate the story to residents, schoolchildren and visitors to the region. The Agincourt story adds a new dimension to the rich heritage and cultural aspects of the region and illustrates how Henry V, born in Monmouth Castle, became a great leader. The story also helps to put into context the links between key figures including Henry V, Owain Glyndŵr, Dafydd Gam and William ap Thomas.

• A historical research study in the community identifying relevant evidence, historical and anecdotal.
• An education project led by Monmouthshire Museums, who will be working with a small number of schools to animate the Agincourt story.
• An education project led by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority to develop a learning session on the Agincourt story for pupils at a number of schools in the authority’s area.
• An education project based at St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny , to start to develop a learning programme on the Agincourt story and to identify where it relates to the Curriculum Cymreig.
• The development of the interpretation of the Agincourt story at Brecon Cathedral.
• The touring Agincourt Wales exhibition is being converted into a digital format.
• The development of an Agincourt Trail linking places of interest across Breconshire, Monmouthshire and Forest of Dean.
• The extension of the publicity campaign and the Agincourt 600 Wales website www.agincourt600wales.com .

The Agincourt 600 national committee recognised the work of community groups leading up to and during this anniversary year piecing together the story, the places and people associated with the battle of Agincourt. A series of 45 events were organised by community groups and organisations in 2015 commemorating the battle.

Project Manager for the Agincourt 600 Commemorative Fund, Paula Kitching explained “The work of Agincourt 600 Wales has helped us to raise the profile of the battle of Agincourt in its 600^th anniversary year and to demonstrate the significant role Henry V’s famous battle has played in British history. The Agincourt 600 Commemorative Fund is extremely pleased to support the Legacy Group in its aims to develop further the interpretation of the local story and to reach more people of all ages.”

Sir Trefor Morris, Chair, Agincourt 600 Wales Legacy Group responded  “The funding enables us to gather local community stories with links to significant people and places associated with the Agincourt story but also to put this in context with this period in Welsh history in the first half of the 15^th century and the lead up to the War of the Roses.

We are particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to help local schoolchildren to learn more about their Welsh heritage. The activities and events programme put together by community groups during 2015 has created interest not just in Wales but worldwide. We hope to develop this interest further as a substantial legacy.”

For more information on the Agincourt 600 Wales Legacy Project contact Gaynor Thomas Project Manager info@agincourt600wales.com or 07885 369 054

For more information on The Agincourt Commemorative Fund please contact Paula Kitching paula@agincourt600.com  www.agincourt600.com

The Agincourt 600 Wales Legacy Group comprises of the following organisations: St Mary’s Priory Development Trust, Abergavenny (lead partner), Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Cathedral, Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire County Council, Monmouthshire Museums, St Mary’s Priory Church Abergavenny and Wye Dean Tourism.