In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we’re thrilled to sit down with Lord Jonathan Sumption—former UK Supreme Court justice and renowned historian—for an unforgettable dive into the Hundred Years’ War. With over four decades spent researching and writing a five-volume history of the conflict, Sumption brings rare depth and clarity to a war that shaped the fate of England and France.

We’ll talk about the major players and battles, the messy politics that kept the war going for over a century, and the long shadow it cast over Europe. From the courtroom to the battlefield, this conversation blends storytelling with serious scholarship. If you’re into medieval history, English politics, or just love a good history story, you won’t want to miss this one.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:50 Introducing Lord Jonathan Sumption

01:29 The Epic Journey of Writing About the 100 Years War

02:39 Challenges in Writing a Neutral History

04:29 Overview of the 100 Years War

10:54 Joan of Arc's Trial and Medieval Justice

14:31 Significant Battles and Figures

20:24 Impact on Civilians and the Aftermath

24:00 Debates and Unanswered Questions

29:21 Future Projects and Conclusion

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INTERVIEW: The Hundred Years' War with UK Supreme Court Justice, Lord Jonathan Sumption

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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