The Final Years of Philip VI and…

1350 CE

The Final Years of Philip VI and His Death (1350)

By the end of his reign, Philip VI of France faced significant political and military failures, particularly following the defeat at Crécy (1346) and the loss of Calais (1347). His inability to secure new funding from the Estates of France prevented him from launching a counterattack against England, leaving the kingdom militarily weakened.

The Estates Refuse Financial Support

After the catastrophic French defeats at Crécy and Calais, Philip sought to raise funds for a counteroffensive, including an invasion of England.
The Estates of France refused to grant funds, citing war exhaustion, economic devastation from the Black Death, and dissatisfaction with royal governance.
This halted Philip’s military plans, ensuring that France remained on the defensive against Edward III’s continued aggression.

Philip VI’s Second Marriage and Political Fallout

In 1349, Philip VI married Blanche of Navarre, who had been betrothed to his son, John of Normandy (the future John II).
This deeply alienated his son and many nobles, worsening court tensions and undermining Philip’s authorityin his final year.
The marriage was unpopular, as Blanche was significantly younger than Philip, and it was seen as a dynastic scandal.

Philip VI’s Last Major Achievements (1349)

Despite his struggles, Philip VI managed two key territorial acquisitions in 1349:

The Dauphiné
- Purchased from Humbert II, the last independent Dauphin of Viennois, securing future French expansion into southeastern France.
- This acquisition ensured that Philip’s heirs would control the region, and the title "Dauphin" would become the traditional title for the French heir apparent.
Montpellier (Languedoc)
- Acquired from James III of Majorca, further strengthening French control in southern France.
- This move consolidated Philip’s power in the Mediterranean region, securing key trade routes.

Philip VI’s Death and Succession (August 22, 1350)

Philip VI died on August 22, 1350, at Coulombes Abbey (Eure-et-Loir).
His body was interred in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the traditional burial place of French kings.
His viscera were buried separately at the Couvent des Jacobins in Paris, though this church has since been demolished.
He was succeeded by his son John II ("the Good"), the first son from his first marriage to Joan of Burgundy.

Legacy of Philip VI

Military Failure – His reign was overshadowed by major defeats in the Hundred Years’ War, particularly at Crécy and Calais.
Economic Crisis – The refusal of the Estates to provide funding exposed the growing financial weakness of the monarchy.
Plague and Social Unrest – The Black Death devastated France, leading to economic instability, revolts, and mercenary bands plundering the countryside.
Territorial Gains – Despite failures in the war, his acquisition of the Dauphiné and Montpellier laid the groundwork for future French territorial expansion.

Philip VI’s death in 1350 marked the end of the first Valois king’s troubled reign, leaving his successor, John II, to inherit a kingdom weakened by war, economic turmoil, and internal divisions.