Louis IX Prepares for the Seventh Crusade (1245–1248): Diplomatic and Administrative Measures

It took three years (1245–1248) before King Louis IX of France was fully prepared to embark on the Seventh Crusade (1248–1254). During this time, he undertook extensive diplomatic, financial, and administrative efforts to ensure the success of his expedition.

Preparations for the Crusade

1. Securing Peace with England

   • Louis arranged a truce with Henry III of England, ensuring that French lands would not be attacked during his absence.
   • However, due to his preoccupation with spiritual matters, he failed to seal the truce with a decisive peace treaty, leaving room for future conflicts between England and France.

2. Arranging Transport for the Crusade

   • Genoa and Marseilles were contracted to provide ships for transporting crusaders to the Mediterranean.
   • This logistical arrangement was crucial, as previous Crusades had suffered from disorganization and lack of adequate naval transport.

3. Raising Funds

   • Louis raised funds from his royal domain and taxed the towns to finance the crusade.
   • Unlike many rulers who relied heavily on the Church or foreign loans, Louis was meticulous in ensuring financial stability before embarking.

4. Administrative Reforms: The Enquêteurs

   • Before departing, Louis dispatched royal commissioners called enquêteurs to investigate and correct governmental abuses across France.
   • This measure reflected his deep concern for justice and strengthened the Capetian administration, ensuring good governance in his absence.

5. Failed Attempt to Recruit Haakon IV of Norway

   • Louis invited Haakon IV of Norway to join the Crusade, seeking broader European participation.
   • The English chronicler Matthew Paris was sent as an ambassador to Norway.
   • However, Haakon declined the offer, and Louis failed to gain Scandinavian support for his expedition.

Departure for the Seventh Crusade (August 1248)

• In August 1248, Louis IX finally set sail for the Mediterranean, leading one of the most organized and well-funded Crusades in history.
• Before leaving, he appointed his capable mother, Blanche of Castile, as regent, entrusting her with the governance of France.

Consequences of Louis IX’s Departure

• His failure to secure a lasting peace with England would later contribute to renewed hostilities between the two kingdoms.
• His domestic reforms, including the work of the enquêteurs, helped strengthen the French monarchy, leading to a more centralized and efficient administration.
• Despite its impressive preparation, the Seventh Crusade would ultimately fail militarily, with Louis IX being captured in Egypt in 1250.

Louis IX’s three years of preparation (1245–1248) demonstrated his dedication, meticulous planning, and strong governance, ensuring France remained stable while he embarked on one of the last great medieval crusading campaigns.