A detailed and engaging look at the most significant battle in English history
Jim Bradbury Books
Jim Bradbury is a British historian specializing in the military history of the Middle Ages. His work focuses on the detailed analysis of battles, military strategies, and the organization of armies during this period. Bradbury's approach is distinguished by its precision and his effort to understand the broader social and political contexts of military conflicts. His insights into medieval military history offer readers a deep understanding of this fascinating era.






Following the demise of the Carolingian dynasty, the French lords chose Hugh Capet as their king. Even though the kingdom of France was much smaller than it later became, the Capetians had considerable achievements and also produced outstanding rulers, including Philip Augustus and St Louis. This book presents the history of the Capetians.
The Routledge Companion to Medieval Warfare
- 392 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Focusing on medieval warfare, this comprehensive volume offers accessible factual material across all of medieval Europe, including Eastern regions. Organized into themed, illustrated sections, it features narrative outlines that introduce key topics. Jim Bradbury details battles, sieges, and notable generals, providing clear information and insights. Practical topics are also examined, making it an essential resource for understanding the complexities of warfare during this historical period.
The book offers a comprehensive examination of Philip Augustus's reign from 1180 to 1223, marking a significant contribution to English historical studies. It delves into the political, social, and economic transformations during his rule, highlighting his strategies in consolidating power and expanding French territories. The analysis also sheds light on Philip's relationships with the church and neighboring kingdoms, providing a nuanced understanding of his impact on medieval France and the legacy he left behind.
Robin Hood
- 238 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The real story of the English Outlaw číst celé
In medieval warfare, the siege predominated: for every battle, there were hundreds of sieges. Yet the rich and vivid history of siege warfare has been consistently neglected. Jim Bradbury's panoramic survey takes the history of siege warfare in Europe from the late Roman Empire to the 16th century, and includes sieges in Byzantium, Eastern Europe and the areas affected by the Crusades. Within this broad sweep of time and place, he finds, not that enormous changes occurred, but that the rules and methods of siege warfare remained remarkably constant. Included are detailed studies of some of the major sieges including Constantinople and Chateau-Gaillard. Throughout, Bradbury supports his narrative with chronicles and letters. irst-hand accounts of danger, famine and endurance bring the acute reality of siege warfare clearly before the reader.
The Medieval Archer
- 206 pages
- 8 hours of reading
A study of the archer and his weapon from the 11th to the 15th century, focusing on military tactics but also exploring the archer's position in society.
Stephen and Matilda
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Stephen’s reign was one of the darkest periods of English history. He had promised Henry I that he would support the king’s daughter, Matilda, as the rightful heir to the English throne, but when Henry died in December, 1135, he broke his promise and quickly made himself king. Like man of the nobles, he was unwilling to yield the crown to a woman. Civil war and the battle for the English Crown dominated his reign, and this fascinating book examines the conflict between Stephen and his cousin. The campaigns, battles, and sieges of England’s first civil war are explored, including the two major battles at the Standard and Lincoln, which show that Stephen always held more ground than his opponents and was mostly on the offensive. The two sides finally reached a compromise, after 14 years, with the Treaty of Wallingford—Stephen would rule unopposed until his death, but the throne would then pass to Henry of Anjou, Matilda’s son. Full of colorful characters, this is a fascinating story of rivalry for the English throne which throws new light on a neglected aspect of Stephen’s reign
's most famous battle will find indispensable.Jim Bradbury taught history at West London Institute of Higher Education (now
Stephen and Matilda
The Civil War of 1139-53
Focuses on military aspects of the civil war and the battle for the English crown that dominated Stephen's reign. Details the various campaigns, battles, and sieges, including the two major battles at the Standard and Lincoln. Draws on the numerous chronicles to comment on the strategy, tactics, technology in arms and armor, and the improvements the period saw in fortifications. A paper edition of the 1996 publication. Distributed in the US by Books International. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
