Recruitment Methods for Soldiers in the Hundred Years War

The Hundred Years War: An Overview

The Hundred Years War (1337–1453) was a long series of conflicts between England and France, characterized by a mix of professional, part-time, and mercenaries. At the time, most armies were not standing armies but part-time forces, built to defend or attack as needed. This methodology reflects the limited resources and manpower available to monarchs and lords during the medieval period.

Part-Time Armies and Local Mobilization

Most lords and kings had their own armories, and people at all levels would receive some form of military training. When a war or campaign was called for, the lord could press people into service through commands. While professional soldiers existed, their recruitment was more often about selecting the best candidates to fill critical roles, rather than actively seeking more recruits.

For the Hundred Years War, the recruitment methods varied widely, from religious motivations to economic incentives. Nobility often had men-at-arms, full-time professional soldiers who would serve under them or be deployed in battles. Crusades saw promises of eternal reward as an incentive, paralleling the religious zeal seen in religious wars.

Professional and Mercenary Soldiers

Mercenaries and Mercenary Companies

Medieval battles frequently involved large numbers of mercenaries, who were attracted by better terms offered by one party compared to the other. Private citizens could be offered money to recruit for a kingdom's military. The church also played a role, urging people to volunteer for service through religious convictions.

A notable practice of the Hundred Years War was the hiring of mercenaries. England was particularly advanced in this method, with kings and queens allowing people to commute their military service duties to cash payments. These allowances were then used to hire mercenaries who would fight as long as they were paid. Many of these mercenaries and their retainers were individuals who had originally served under feudal obligations but chose to make a career out of fighting.

In some regions, particularly in Italy during late medieval times, there were permanent bands of mercenaries who fought for various city-states. These mercenaries were more experienced fighters compared to part-time soldiers who only served occasionally.

Feudal Obligations and Town Militias

Feudalism and Military Obligation

Feudal obligation played a significant role in recruitment. If you held land from someone, you were often obliged to serve under arms for a set period during a war. Those with more land were obligated to bring a greater number of armed men according to their holdings. This system worked as a reciprocal service between lords and their vassals.

Trained Bands and City Militias

Trained bands and city militias were locally raised forces composed of citizens who were mainly responsible for defending their city walls when called upon. These units were rarely, if ever, called to serve outside of their city defenses.

The Hundred Years War saw a complex mix of recruitment methods, from feudal obligations to mercenary hiring, providing an insight into the evolving nature of medieval armies and military service.