THE DUCHY OF GASCONY 1294 (E1)
xxxxxFor some years the French had been nibbling away at the borders of Gascony, Edward’s possession in south-
xxxxxDespite his preoccupation with the conquest of both Wales and Scotland, Edward was for ever mindful of his land in south-
xxxxxMatters came to a head in 1294. During the previous year Philip IV had negotiated with Edward’s brother, Edmund, the Earl of Lancaster, concerning the future of Gascony, and had persuaded him to surrender the duchy over to French authority for a limited period. Once in his hands, however, Philip (illustrated) refused to return the land, ostensibly because of a dispute he claimed was going on between English and French seamen. Troubles at home, both in Wales and Scotland, delayed any action on the part of Edward. When at last in 1297 he managed to take an army to France, he was faced with a revolt of his barons in Flanders -
xxxxxThe war, which proved a costly affair for both monarchs, dragged on for close on ten years and was eventually settled by negotiation. Gascony was returned to Edward as a fief of the French crown, but the territory was somewhat reduced in size. However, by a peace treaty reached in 1303 a marriage was agreed between the future Edward II of England and Philip’s daughter Isabella, and this arrangement resulted in an unusually long period of peace between the two kingdoms.
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