Edward III Research Paper

Words: 1209
Pages: 5

However, Charles IV's sudden death at the Château of Vincennes in 1328 changed the political landscape. With no male heir, his pregnant wife faced a difficult situation. Philip of Valois was named regent, but the direct Capetian line ended when she gave birth to a girl, in accordance with the Salic Code. This left Edward III, grandson of Philip the Fair and son of Isabella, as a contender for the French throne, along with Philip of Evreux and Philip of Valois. The French nobility, wary of an English monarch and unification under one crown, supported Philip of Valois, who was crowned King Philip VI in Reims in 1328. Despite Edward's young age and existing marriage, which could have complicated matters, Philip's position as regent and the desire …show more content…
This preoccupation might have stemmed from his awareness of his non-royal lineage; his uncle, Charles of Valois, had long sought the throne but never succeeded. Early in his reign, Philip's actions were marked by attempts to assert his authority over Edward III, especially regarding Aquitaine. He demanded tribute from Edward, who complied but delayed a meeting at Amiens Cathedral. When they finally met, Edward's vague promises led to years of tension between the two monarchs. Edward, claiming a closer relation to the French throne as the nephew of the late king, asserted his right to the crown, regardless of the Salic law. Sets for Edward III's Military Edward III's military prowess was evident, inherited in part from his grandfather, Edward I, who had utilized the Welsh longbow effectively in his campaigns. The longbow's effectiveness in piercing armor was demonstrated in a Welsh campaign, where an arrow passed through a man-at-arms' thigh, between his iron cazas and leather tunic, and into the saddle, killing the