It is set in 1413 to 1415, with the story evolving around Henry V's coronation and the conflicts in France during the Hundred Year's war leading up to the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

follows these central themes, often using nature to support the plot, glorifying medieval times, and focusing on the emotions of the protagonist.

[11] The novel is not historically accurate even for the history of the 19th century and is written from a biased point of view favouring the English side of events.

The structure and characters show similarities, and both works have the intention of presenting a narrative that strengthens English patriotism.

The two men have a mutual understanding of honour and chivalry and visit Richard's uncle, Sir Philip Beauchamp, a well-known knight.

Her fiancé Henry Dacre is the main suspect in the eyes of most residents, but Richard thinks Sir Simeon of Roydon to be the murderer.

Before proof for the suspicions can be collected, a message arrives for Hal of Hadnock calling him back to London.

A few days afterwards, Richard receives an invitation to London to the coronation of Hal of Hadnock who is revealed to be Henry V. In addition to the invitation, Richard is told to deliver a letter to a man named Sir John Grey in Ghent, and afterwards travel to the court of Burgundy.

After hearing Richard's testimony, the King sentences Simeon to pay Ella Brune a high sum of gold and banishes him into exile outside of England.

Finally, Richard is allowed to send one message and asks Sir John Grey and Mary to pay the ransom and he is rescued.

Allegedly, he has refused orders by the King that told him to return to England and serve in the English army.

Richard wants to prove the allegations wrong, but the King has to leave to prepare for the Battle of Agincourt which takes place the next day.

After the battle, it is revealed that it was Simeon of Roydon stole Richard's armour and committed all the crimes in his name.

[1] The dates and order of historically relevant events in the novel are accurate but the protagonists and story are fictional.

Even though the novel's name stems from the Battle of Agincourt, most of the book is centred around the personal fates of the characters.

[1] James extensively describes the geography of France and Belgium, as well as the city of Ghent,[1] demonstrating knowledge he gained from his own travels.

[4] He includes accurate descriptions of the lives of important historic figures such as Philip the Good and Henry V, going as far as describing details of the person's face.

[1] On topics like late medieval fashion or architecture, where the author lacks expertise,[4] he gives vague descriptions and leaves the details to the readers' imagination.

[1] Even though the setting is in late medieval times, the dialogues as well as narration of the novel are written in the style of language as spoken in the 19th century.

[1] The protagonist often refers to verses written by Chaucer and medieval songs and poems are quoted to achieve the readers' immersion in the setting.

[1] James' personal background gives the novel a biased point of view on the Hundred Years' War.

The people of Flanders are described as primitive and France is presented as an internally torn country full of conflict and deceit.

[...] But those who will inquire [...] will find a meditative spirit, though a quick one; a warm heart, though a firm one; a rich and lively imagination, though a clear and vigorous judgement.

"[1] In direct contrast to James' romanticised descriptions as a wise, fair and chivalrous king,[1] Henry V had a bad reputation and proceeded mercilessly.

During his campaigns in France he ordered execution of all prisoners after the Battle of Agincourt,[12] and during the siege of Rouen he did not allow women and children to leave the city, resulting in death by starvation.

[16] Despite the criticisms, his works were read frequently in the 19th century and can be found in many private and public book collections.

[16] Critical voices made fun of his usage of the opening where two chivalrous horsemen who travel together, because he started many of his works, like Agincourt.