Mentioned several times in a 1599 play, this patron saint of cobblers had a feast day that coincided with the Battle of Agincourt

Friday’s Final Jeopardy round on February 13, 2026, brought viewers into the category “Saints” with a clue that blended literature, history, and religious tradition. The prompt read: “Mentioned several times in a 1599 play, this patron saint of cobblers had a feast day that coincided with the Battle of Agincourt.” Contestants were required to connect a Shakespearean reference with a medieval saint and a pivotal moment in English history.

What is St. Crispin?

The correct response was: What is St. Crispin? The clue points directly to St. Crispin, who, along with his twin brother St. Crispinian, is recognized as a patron saint of cobblers, shoemakers, and leather workers. Their feast day falls on October 25, the same date as the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

The 1599 play referenced in the clue is Henry V by William Shakespeare. In Act IV, Scene III, King Henry delivers the famous St. Crispin’s Day speech to rally his troops before battle. The speech immortalized the date in English cultural memory, ensuring that St. Crispin’s name would be associated not only with shoemakers but also with one of England’s most celebrated military victories.

The Historical St. Crispin and His Patronage

St. Crispin and St. Crispinian were third-century Christian martyrs traditionally said to have traveled to Gaul to preach Christianity. According to legend, they supported themselves by making shoes, which led to their lasting association with the cobbler’s trade. Their story became especially popular in medieval Europe, where trade guilds often adopted patron saints.

Their execution is believed to have taken place around the year 286 under Roman persecution. Over time, devotion to St. Crispin spread widely across France and England. Guilds of shoemakers honored him as a model of industriousness and faith, and his feast day became an important observance in many communities.

The Battle of Agincourt and October 25, 1415

The Battle of Agincourt was fought on October 25, 1415, during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. English forces under King Henry V achieved a decisive victory despite being heavily outnumbered. The battle became a defining moment in English medieval history.

Because the battle occurred on the feast of St. Crispin and St. Crispinian, the date acquired added symbolic weight. Shakespeare’s later dramatization strengthened that association. The St. Crispin’s Day speech emphasizes camaraderie and shared honor, framing the battle as a moment that would be remembered annually on that saint’s feast day.

Shakespeare’s 1599 Play and Cultural Legacy

Henry V, first performed in 1599, references St. Crispin multiple times in the speech delivered before the battle. Shakespeare uses the saint’s feast day to underscore themes of unity, sacrifice, and remembrance. The speech includes the well-known line describing “this day is called the feast of Crispian,” ensuring the saint’s enduring literary presence.

Through Shakespeare’s portrayal, St. Crispin became linked in popular culture not only to the trade of cobblers but also to ideas of brotherhood forged in battle. The interplay between religious tradition, historical event, and dramatic literature made this clue a layered challenge. By recognizing the patron saint of cobblers and connecting his feast day to Agincourt and Henry V, contestants were able to arrive at the correct response.