Archaeological work at Azincourt John George Woodford

map of battle of azincourt

during time commander of army of occupation in france, woodford engaged in archaeological excavations on supposed site of battle of azincourt. during these excavations, woodford found numerous artefacts, , these finds reported newspapers @ times, including caledonian mercury on 25 may 1818 , morning chronicle on 20 april 1818. included bones, arrow-heads , upwards of sixty coins. 1 such coin in high state of preservation, on 1 side arms of france , inscription karolus dei gracia francorum rex (translated latin charles, god s grace, king of french) , on reverse pc regnat, pc imperat ( pc standing latin per christum, regnat reign or rule , imperat command , rule or impose ). fragments of iron, 2 lance-heads (one six, other 8 inches long), spur, buckles, other insignia of fray , several rings. these rings, of gold, had inscriptions on them, , thought pledges, given knights fair dames, on departing wars . 1 ring enamelled , on outside has words pleine amitie (roughly translated french solid friendship ) , inside flower rose, belle after it. thought create name of lady, rosabelle. ring, made of brass, found finger bone sticking in it. unfortunately present-day locations of these finds unknown.

records of excavations , finds exist in woodford s letters brother, alexander, preserved in nachlaß of english politician roger newdigate (1719–1806). these letters include illustrations of finds, namely coin , arrow-head. alongside discoveries, there thought have existed diary, although suspected may have been lost in fire @ establishment on belgrave square called pantechnicon, gave name van, in 1874 or 1876. whilst excavating, woodford received considerable hostility local french, considered woodford desecrating graves of war-dead conduct celebration commemorating english victory. appears have been little spin, letters highlight woodford s intention re-bury dead found in consecrated ground – did, there reported several dead azincourt buried in local church under etching in wall reads 1838 .