Osprey - General Military - Knight - The Warrior and ... - Brego-weard

supported by Geoffrey de Brabant. The majority of the nobles, however, were
dismissive of the dangers posed by the militia and suggested that the others' caution
might suggest a lack of courage. A similar accusation was levied by Edward II against
the Earl of Gloucester, when the latter suggested allowing the army to rest for a day
after its rapid march to Bannockburn.
Even in the midst of battle this sort of collective decision was still being made.
Joinville's account of the Seventh Crusade is replete with examples of the sort of
discussions taking place. At Mansourah in 1250, we see Louis IX calling together his
nobles, drawing them off from the thick of the fighting to ask their advice in response
to a request for support from the right wing of his army. They agreed, but as he had
his army shift position a request came from another quarter begging him to stay in
place as one of the battles was pinned in place by the Saracen attacks. The council was
called together again and advised the king to hold his position. This led the messenger
from the right to return, asking why the king had not moved. For a third time the
knights of the council were drawn together and they changed their mind and advice
yet again. Earlier in the same battle the three leaders of Louis' vanguard, the Count
of Anjou, the Master of the Temple and the English Earl of Salisbury, having initially
routed the Muslim forces then debated whether to pursue. The Earl of Salisbury
argued for caution whilst the Templars demanded that they be allowed to take the
first position, as had been agreed with the king. The Count of Artois would not listen,
CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE •*}*•
The Imperial army of the
Holy Roman Empire
encamped, from a
15th-century manuscript.
In the centre is the
Imperial banner, and the
commander's marquee,
whilst the camp itself is
protected by a Wagonburg
and artillery. (Bridgeman
Art Library)
105