It is 1415 and war on France will cost England greatly. To finance this the commons are about to pass a bill confiscating church lands. However, seeking to avoid the ramifications of this, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely offer the newly crowned Henry a vast sum of money and further assuage him by confirming the legitimacy of his claim to the throne of France . With the buoyancy and enthusiasm of his advisors in his ears, Henry orders the invasion of France . It is a decision made more certain by the arrival of a petulant and scornful gift: tennis balls sent by the French Dauphin, who sees him as a mere boy.

Meanwhile, the companions from Henry’s wild and youthful past hear of the death of Sir John Falstaff from Mistress Quickly. They leave their bickering and sorrow and set off to join the new King’s army. However, not all of England is loyal and treachery is in the air. Before embarking from Southampton Henry discovers that three of his trusted nobles have plotted to assassinate him. He has a difficult decision to make.

Across the Channel the French prepare to counter the invasion. The Dauphin believes the English are pitiful, and though he receives the English ambassadors, King Charles rejects Henry’s claim to his throne. Battle is soon joined and the English besiege and take the town of Harfleur . Though the French King rouses his nobles to seek revenge, his daughter, Princess Katherine, has no such feelings and begins to learn the English tongue.

Though victorious at Harfleur, the English, tired, sickened, and beset by foul weather, are forced to retreat through Normandy . But Henry will not weaken before France and he rejects their herald’s offer of ransom. The two armies prepare for battle at Agincourt .

On the eve of the final conflict, Henry disguises himself and moves amongst his men. The responsibility of kingship weighs heavily upon him. The French, however, are confident and eager for the fight. When dawn breaks blood is spilled and Henry, rallying his troops, places their lives in God’s hands.

God, it seems, favours England on that day and there are few English dead, whilst the men of France litter the field. Finally, to seal a bond between England and France, Henry courts and wins the Princess Catherine. With this the war is at an end.