When the newly crowned King Henry V receives a mocking gift from the French Dauphin — a box of tennis balls — he doesn’t laugh. He retaliates with cannonballs and a thunderous claim to the French throne. What begins as a petty insult escalates into a seismic clash of empires. From the opulent courts of Paris to the blood-soaked fields of Agincourt, this episode unpacks the moment England’s young king turned humiliation into history — and launched a war that would shake Europe to its core.

For more context behind this episode’s history, listen back to The Battle of Crecy in season 6, or hear about the French version of the tennis ball story in episode 3 of our miniseries, The Glass King. 

Remember, you can always delve deeper into the history behind each episode by becoming a This Is History Royal Favourite on Patreon. In addition to ad-free listening and bonus episodes — now available to watch on video — you get to chat with mediaeval buffs from around the world, chat with Dan and the team, and get exclusive access to behind the scenes extras just for favourites. 

Don’t miss out. Sign up at patreon.com/thisishistory 

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Written and presented by Dan Jones

Producer - Alan Weedon 

Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman

Executive Producer - Simon Poole

Production Manager - Jen Mistri 

Production coordinator - Eric Ryan 

Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux

Head of content - Chris Skinner

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