The Once and Future Duke: Henry of Grosmont
Abstract:
Henry of Grosmont (c.1310-1361) lived in a defining period of English history and figured prominently in the first half of the Hundred Years War. From contemporary chroniclers to modern day historians, all who undertake Henry as a subject are in agreement that he was one of the finest knights of the Middle Ages, but Henry’s case is made rarer by the fact that he seems to be the only one who disagrees. He wrote a book in 1354, Le Livre de Seyntz Medicines (The Book of Holy Medicines), which stands in stark contrast to the portrait put forth by others. In it, Henry confesses to being a wretched sinner in dire need of care. This project aims to investigate the conflicting public and private sides of Henry in order to reveal more about his character and values.