Today, if we were to undertake a leisurely drive from Plymouth to London, showing an important foreign guest the sites along the way, all we’d need would be a decent car that was insured and perhaps a current MOT and full tank of fuel. Oh, and the wherewithal to feed said guest at the best inns on the way, of course. Simples, as a certain meerkat might say. But imagine having to do the same thing in 1357.
In that year, after the great victory at Poitiers on 19 September 1356 and the capture of the French king, John II, as well as half the French aristocracy, the triumphant Edward of Woodstock (the Black Prince) brought his royal trophy back to England and landed at Plymouth. The prince was wildly popular and adored, and crowds lined the way to the capital. Oh, it was a grand affair and no mistake. But they didn’t travel in a nice modern car. Oh no, it was horseback all the way.
Well, horses aren’t like cars, you don’t simply refill their tanks and carry on. No, you have to rest and replace them as you go, and for this particular journey I have discovered that a certain John Brocas, the prince’s servant, was sent ahead with 20 fine horses for the prince and his company to ride. Brocas would be paid his costs by the Sheriff of Devon. Then there were also 20 grooms and a farrier, all to accompany the royal party through Exeter, Sherborne, Salisbury and Winchester to the capital. And that’s on top of the rest of the entourage, which would have been immense, vehicles and all, when two such important royal persons were involved.
And oh, how crucial the weather would be. No quick zip along the duel carriageways and motorways, but a slow slog through mud and mucky water. Oh joy. But I think the weather was kind on this occasion, and on 24 May 1357, captive or not, John II was greeted rapturously in London. What a prize he was!
murreyandblue 