The EI Podcast Inside the world of medieval espionage
Jan 22, 2026
Explore the intriguing world of medieval espionage as spies relied on travelers for political news rather than organized systems. Discover the distinction between true spies and scouts, revealing how gossip spread within royal courts. Learn about bold infiltrators, like Encom du Beau, whose risky missions led to critical intelligence. Uncover the challenges of language barriers and the unique intelligence scene in Calais. Dive into the motives behind treason and the unreliability of tavern gossip, contrasted with valuable secrets from defectors and intercepts.
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Opportunistic Origins Of Medieval Intelligence
- Medieval "intelligence" relied on travellers, scouts and opportunistic reports rather than systematic espionage.
- Systematic secret intelligence only became ordinary in Europe from the 16th century onward.
Porous Courts, Practical Language Barriers
- Medieval courts and camps were porous, making casual eavesdropping and infiltration feasible.
- Language and accent were major practical barriers to deep infiltration across regions.
Encom du Beau's Failed Infiltration
- The English sent Encom du Beau into French households to spy on invasion preparations in 1386.
- He was caught, executed, and his confession revealed networks of other English agents.
