Saint Crispin's Day Speech from Henry V

We may recognize Saint Crispin’s Day from its famous mention in Shakespeare’s Henry V. But who is Saint Crispin and why is he celebrated on October 25?

This story shall the good man teach his son,
And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be rememberèd—
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now abed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.

—Henry V, Act IV, scene 3

What is Saint Crispin’s Day?

October 25 is the feast day of early Christian martyr Saint Crispin and his twin brother, Saint Crispinian (Shakespeare mentions both names). Originally from Rome, the twins were shoemakers who fled to Gaul. They preached by day and made shoes by night. They were executed by the Romans on October 25 . They are the patron saints of tanners, shoemakers, saddlers, and glovemakers. Interestingly, Shakespeare’s father John was a glovemaker.

Why does Shakespeare mention Saint Crispin’s Day?

October 25, 1415 is the date of one of England’s most iconic victories. At the Battle of Agincourt, Henry V defeated the significantly larger French force. It was a decisive battle in the Hundred Years’ War and Henry returned to England in triumph. He later signed a treaty with Charles VI of France and married his daughter, Catherine of Valois. Henry became the heir to the French crown, though he died before ever assuming the role.

Henry V explores war and the victory at Agincourt, though its epilogue notes that the king’s early death resulted in the loss of much of what had been won.

Why does Henry V still inspire us today?

Henry V is Shakespeare’s most famous “war play.” A triumphant figure who gives some incredibly rousing speeches, the role of Henry has attracted some of our most well-known Shakespearean actors.

Laurence Olivier directed and starred in a 1944 film adaptation, which was planned to boost British morale during the end of World War II and ultimately won Olivier a special honorary Academy Award.

In 1989, Kenneth Branagh followed in Olivier’s footsteps, directing and starring in his own celebrated version of Henry V. That film, which also incorporated elements of Henry IV, Part 1 and Part II, was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Actor.

Production materials from both the Olivier and Branagh films of Henry V are in the Folger’s collection.