Edward had traditionally received much of the blame before the start of the Hundred Years War. But in fact there were many reasons why France and England ended up going to war, and many of them relates to French aggression and support for the Scots. And in fact the catalyst for war is the declaration by Philip VI that he has removed the Duke of Aquitaine from his lands – i.e. Edward. This is as straightforward a declaration of war as you are ever likely to see.
Download Podcast - 99 Year One of a Hundred (Right Click and select Save Link As)
The Vow of the Heron
In the 1340’s a political poem appeared, which has been remarkably influential in keeping the blame of Edward’s side for the start of the war. It’s all terribly unfair, really it’s not. The full text of the Vows of the Heron can be found here.
What started the Hundred Year’s War.
So here’s a quick list:
- Edward was a young lad looking for a spot of fame and glory
- Philip VI aggressively supported the Scots – and there’s no way Edward could put up with this
- PhilipVI raided the English coast – Edward couldn’t put up with this either
- Philip refused to accept English influence in Flanders and Brabant, which drove him to aggression against England
- The Kings of France could not accept the control of Aquitaine by a vassal as powerful as the King of England.
I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, David, but there is more than one year in a hundred years, therefore it’s The Hundred Years’ War.
I do…always read my comments, a bit more avidly maybe than I should! But I don’t really understand this comment I have to say…was it something I said in the podcast?
Hi David
It’s just someone’s way of pointing out that the apostrophe in the Hundred Years’ War is in the wrong place in the heading in this post. Nothing to worry about! Can I take this opportunity to say that I’ve come to your series late (I’m up to about 1001 at the moment and it’s all a bit depressing for the English) but I’m catching up as fast as I can and I’m really enjoying it – it’s making walking to work a real pleasure.
Thanks very much for what you are doing – more power to your elbow!
Stuart
Ingham’s grave
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86017908
Thank you Cindy – that’s a nice site generally.
This episode appears to be missing it’s audio. I get an intro and ending and silence between.
Thanks; I thought I had fixed it but clearly not! I am on very dodgy internet at the moment, but will try again soon
Should be sorted now…
Unfortunately missing again. Still? I get the intro tune, then silence. I’ll never know what happens.