France, Kingdom of / Philippe VI de Valois, le Fortuné (King Philip VI the Fortunate)

France, Kingdom of - Philippe VI de Valois, le Fortuné (King Philip VI the Fortunate) (1 April 1328 - 22 August 1350)

Philip VI (French: Philippe VI), called the Fortunate (French: le Fortuné) and of Valois, was the first King of France from the House of Valois. He reigned from 1328 until his death.

Philip's reign was dominated by the consequences of a succession dispute. When King Charles IV the Fair died without a male heir in 1328, the nearest male relative was his nephew Edward III of England, who inherited his claim through his mother Isabella of France, the sister of the dead king. It was held in France, however, that Edward was ineligible to inherit the French throne through the female line according to the ancient Salic Law. At first, Edward seemed to accept Philip's accession as the nearest male relative of Charles IV descended through the male line, however he pressed his claim to the throne of France after a series of disagreements with Philip. The result was the beginning of the Hundred Years' War in 1337.

After initial successes at sea, Philip's navy was annihilated at the Battle of Sluys in 1340, ensuring that the war would occur on the continent. The English took another decisive advantage at the Battle of Crécy (1346), while the Black Death struck France, further destabilizing the country.

In 1349, Philip VI bought the Dauphiné from its ruined ruler Humbert II and entrusted the government of this province to his grandson Charles. Philip VI died in 1350 and was succeeded by his son John II the Good.

The English translation of the royal style of King Philip VI was "By the Grace of God, King of France".

France, Kingdom of - Philippe VI de Valois, le Fortuné (King Philip VI the Fortunate): showing 1 of 1 coins
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Philippe VI de Valois, le Fortuné (King Philip VI the Fortunate): Details
CountryFrance, Kingdom of
From1 April 1328
To22 August 1350
Personal Information King Philip VI the Fortunate of France
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Country Details
NameFrance, Kingdom of
From987
To1792
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