The identity of the genuine St Crispin and his connection to the Battle of Agincourt are in question.

In the 3rd century, twin brothers Saint Crispin and Crispinian faced persecution for their Christian faith. Fleeing from their homeland, they found refuge in Belgic Gaul where they spread the Gospel and made shoes to sustain themselves.

Their journey led them to Faversham, Kent, where they are said to have lived as Romano-British couple's sons. A plaque marks the site of their supposed home on Market Street, and a nearby pump draws water from Saint Crispin's Well.

The brothers' lives took a tragic turn when they were arrested by the Roman governor Rictus Varus. They were subjected to torture, tar, and molten lead. However, during their ordeal, legend has it that shoemaker's awls shot out and struck their tormentors, and they were able to swim to safety despite being thrown into a river with millstones around their necks.

Their bravery did not go unnoticed, and Saint Crispin became the patron saint of leather-workers. A testament to their legacy, an abbey was built on the site of their ordeals.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, archers were the primary form of artillery, with the term coming from Middle French, meaning the provision of weapons. The English archers, known for their prowess, played a crucial role in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Henry V's army, which included 7,000 English archers, faced a larger French force. The English archers poured a torrent of arrows into the ranks of the French, causing significant damage.

The shoemaking tradition continued, and Northamptonshire, a region known as a shoemaking center since the 13th century, celebrates October 25 with a street fair. Itzehoe, a region traditionally known for its shoemakers, also celebrates this day.

In 1885, William Clark, a visionary, founded Crispin Hall in Street, Somerset, as a cultural center for his workers. The hall continues to be a significant part of the community today.

Today, we honour the legacy of Saint Crispin and Crispinian, not just for their bravery and resilience, but also for their contributions to the shoemaking industry and their patronage of leather-workers.

Ian Morton, a journalist with a particular fascination for the natural world, has contributed significantly to our understanding of this fascinating history. As a lifelong game shot, wildfowler, and stalker, he has directed his full attention to the countryside and has contributed to various publications like Shooting Times, The Field, and our platform.

The identity of the genuine St Crispin and his connection to the Battle of Agincourt are in question.