WEAPONS THAT MADE BRITAIN

PROGRAMME 3: THE LANCE

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00.00 – 00.39

A general introduction to the series.

00.40 – 06.49

Here we learn the significance of the spear and, later, the lance in medieval battles, and how the lance was introduced by the Normans, who used it on horseback.

06.50 – 08.23

Mike Loades introduces the Battle of Lewes in the 13th century, in which cavalry with lances played a crucial role.

08.24 – 11.35

Adopting authentic medieval training techniques, Mike teaches a group of volunteers how to use a lance.

11.36 – 15.12

We meet expert Dr David Carpenter to learn what prompted the battle at Lewes and we hear about the opening stages.

15.13 – 16.13

We find out about the horses that knights with lances would have used, with the Bayeux Tapestry giving clues.

16.14 – 17.37

Mike demonstrates the vital link between man, horse and lance in a cavalry charge.

17.38 – 23.01

The Lewes story continues and we catch up with the positions of the two opponents.

23.02 – 27.00

At the Royal Military College of Science we see how scientific tests can show the most effective position in which to hold a lance in order to make the most impact. Also, the structure of a lance is explored.

27.01 – 28.17

Back at Lewes we hear about the next stage of the battle.

28.18 – 29.46

At Worcester Cathedral we see a rare medieval carving of an impact charge.

29.47 – 30.44

We hear how Simon De Montford finally wins at Lewes.

30.45 – 33.32

Dr Fiona Watson outlines how spears were used to form ‘shiltrons’ in Scotland in the 14th-century campaign against Edward II.

33.33 – 37.16

An historic re-enactor shows us how easy it is to make a rough spear and the volunteers demonstrate the tactic of a shiltron.

37.17 – 46.52

We hear an account of the Battle of Bannockburn, between Edward II and Robert the Bruce, which was won by the Scottish due to the use of the shiltron tactic.

46.53 – 48.19

A summary of the impact of the spear and lance on British history.