The English Claim on the French Throne - Dr Helen Castor

TL;DR

The Hundred Years War was a long-standing conflict between England and France over territorial and tenurial claims, with intermittent periods of peace and shifts in the nature of the conflict.

Transcript

England had held territory in France ever since the conquest of 1066 English kings held the conqueror's duchy of Normandy until it was lost by bad King John in 124 but by then the English also held the duy of aquatan in Southwestern France which had been brought to the crown by John's mother Elanor of aquatan when she married Henry II in the middle... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍟 The Hundred Years War was not solely about the English claim to the French throne but also involved territorial and tenurial disputes.
• ✌️ Periods of peace and temporary truces punctuated the conflict, demonstrating the fluctuating nature of warfare.
• 🙃 Significant military victories on both sides showcased the skill and tactics of the English and French armies.
• 🍟 The English claim to the French throne was a contentious issue but experienced moments of abandonment and revival.
• 🌗 Henry VII's serious efforts to prosecute the claim in the early 16th century indicate the long-lasting impact of the conflict.
• 💦 The conflict finally reached its resolution in 1801 when the English claim to the French throne was dropped from the royal title.
• 🫱 Understanding the events between 1337 and 1453 is crucial to grasp the dynamics of the war in the 15th century.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the main territories held by England in France during the Hundred Years War?

England held the duchy of Normandy and the duchy of Aquitaine, which were sources of territorial and tenurial disputes between England and France.

Q: How did the English claim to the French throne impact the Hundred Years War?

The English claim to the French throne added fuel to the conflict, with periods of asserting the claim and relinquishing it, showing the complex nature of the war.

Q: Were there any notable military victories during the Hundred Years War?

Yes, there were significant victories for both sides, including the English successes at sea at Schloo, the Battle of Crécy, and the capture of the French King at Poitiers.

Q: Did the Hundred Years War have periods of peace?

Yes, there were intermittent periods of peace during the war, such as the temporary truces agreed upon in 1389 and the agreement for a further truce intending to last 28 years.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• England held territories in France since the conquest of 1066, leading to ongoing disputes and wars between the two kingdoms.

• Warfare during the Hundred Years War was not constant, with periods of peace and successful military victories by both sides.

• The English claim to the French throne played a significant role in the conflict, but it was not a constant factor and went through periods of abandonment and revival.