Hello everyone and welcome to the history of England, episode 158, catastrophe at Harris.

Before we go on folks and friends I should let you know, ta da!

We have a result on the great coin competition.

So at the end you'll be able to find out who and what.

Exciting or what?

Also today at the end we have another contribution from Kevin so all power to that.

But first sorry you have to struggle through a long boring tale of English misery.

So just to recap where we are from the last two episodes and then today we'll try to leap

salmon like to 1435.

In France the maid of Oliore, Joan of Arc had transformed French fortunes so that Charles

VII had been triumphantly and remarkably crowned at the traditional home of French coronations,

the Cathedral at Hans in July 1429.

In England the fight between Beaufort and Gloucester had been resolved by Bedford's arbitration

and to the greater glory of the blood royal in the form of Gloucester.

The rule of England was still very much by the council of state and the conciliate

or approach remained intact.

Beaufort, although no longer a chancellor, continued to have influence but the consensus

that had held sway since Henry V's death was without doubt being tested very hard.

But nonetheless it held firm.

The medieval realm, and I'm sure we've discussed this many times before, relied on the

even-handed use of patronage a king able to manage the delicate relationships between

the great families.

...