Edward III Intervenes in the Hook and Cod Wars: The Naval Battle off Veere (1351)
In 1351, Edward III of England intervened in the Hook and Cod Wars, siding with his sister-in-law, Margaret of Bavaria, in her struggle against her son, William V of Holland. His involvement led to a decisive naval victory off Veere, strengthening Margaret’s position in the conflict.
Edward III’s Involvement
- Margaret of Bavaria was the sister of Philippa of Hainault, Edward III’s queen consort.
- As the Cods (urban elites) supported William V and the Hooks (nobility) backed Margaret, the struggle escalated into a full-scale civil war in Holland and Zeeland.
- Edward III, already engaged in the Hundred Years' War, saw the conflict as an opportunity to extend English influence in the Low Countries.
- In 1351, he sent a fleet to support Margaret, resulting in a naval battle off Veere (in present-day Zeeland, Netherlands).
The Naval Battle off Veere (1351)
- Edward III’s fleet engaged the forces of William V, who had the backing of the Cod League and its supporters.
- The English navy defeated William’s fleet, giving Margaret and the Hooks temporary control over Zeeland.
- This victory secured English influence in the region, demonstrating England’s naval superiority and allowing Margaret to continue her struggle against her son.
Impact and Consequences
- Despite the victory, the war continued, as William V still held strong support among the urban elite in Holland.
- Margaret’s position was strengthened, but the conflict remained undecided until 1354, when William V ultimately secured control of Holland.
- Edward III’s involvement deepened English influence in the Low Countries, ensuring that Holland and Zeeland remained entangled in broader Anglo-French rivalries.
Edward III’s naval victory off Veere in 1351 was a key moment in the Hook and Cod Wars, reinforcing Margaret’s resistance but failing to deliver a decisive resolution to the civil war in Holland.
