Thomas Erpingham

Following on from Anne May’s talk on Tuesday, here is a summary on Thomas and a link for additional reading:  

Sir Thomas Erpingham (c. 1357 – 27 June 1428) was a legendary English knight and military commander, most famous for leading King Henry V’s longbow archers to a stunning victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Spanning four decades, his career cemented the House of Lancaster on the English throne and transformed him into one of the most powerful and wealthy figures in East Anglia.

Rise of a Lancastrian Loyalist

Norfolk Roots: Born in Erpingham, Norfolk, to Sir John de Erpingham, a local gentry family.

Early Warfare: Cut his teeth early, potentially accompanying his father to Aquitaine in 1368 under Edward, the Black Prince.

The Lancaster Bond: Joined the service of John of Gaunt in 1380, fighting in Scotland and Spain.

Exile and Rebellion: Accompanied Gaunt's son, Henry Bolingbroke, into exile in 1398.

Dethroning a King: Returned with Bolingbroke in 1399, leading the ambush that captured King Richard II.

Royal Rewards: When Bolingbroke became King Henry IV, Erpingham was named Chamberlain of the Royal Household. He later became a Knight of the Garter and Marshal of England. 

Hero of Agincourt

The Archer Command: During the 1415 invasion of France under Henry V, Erpingham was entrusted with directing the English longbowmen.

The Critical Signal: According to chroniclers, the elderly Erpingham rode before the lines, threw his baton into the air, and shouted "Nestroque" (Now strike!), triggering the devastating volley that broke the French cavalry. 

Shakespearean Fame: His reliable, grandfatherly presence on the field was later immortalised by William Shakespeare in his play, Henry V. 

Impact on Norwich & Norfolk Architecture

As an incredibly wealthy, childless noble later in life, Erpingham poured his fortune into local religious infrastructure to secure his legacy and spiritual passage. His impact is still visible today: 

The Erpingham Gate: He funded this striking, magnificent stone gateway between 1420 and 1435. It serves as the main western entrance to the Norwich Cathedral.  It features intricate carvings of 24 saints and a small statue of Erpingham kneeling at the top.

Blackfriars' Hall: After a devastating fire destroyed the local friary, Erpingham funded the rebuilding of the grand civic church, now part of the historic The Halls, Norwich complex.

Heraldic Footprint: His distinct coat of arms—featuring martlets (footless birds) on a green background—can still be spotted carved throughout medieval structures in Norwich. 

Erpingham died in 1428 and was buried in a place of high honour on the north side of the presbytery inside Norwich Cathedral.

Here is an article that goes into detail of his activities in Norfolk:  

https://heraldryinnorfolk.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/sir-thomas-erpingham-his-activities-in-norfolk/