Sir John Fastolf was an English soldier who was born in 1378 and died in 1459. He was married in January 1409. Before becoming a soldier he was a squire for Thomas Mowbray, 1st duke of Norfolk. He is noted for his services in France during the last phase of the Hundred Years' War. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Agincourt in October 25, 1415; he was knighted after this battle. He became Henry V's Lieutenant and regent in Normandy in 1423. He was governor of Anjou and Maine from 1423-1426. In 1426, he was knighted the knight of Garter.

He also distinguished himself at the Battle of the Herrings in February 12, 1429, so called because, while conveying supplies to the English besiegers of Orleans. Fastolf formed a defensive barrier of herring barrels and with his archers beat off a much larger French army. His conduct at the defeat of the English by Joan of...