Philip V and Edward II: The Gascon Homage Dispute (1319–1320)

Philip V of France, like his predecessors, faced ongoing tensions with England over Gascony, where Edward II of England, as Duke of Aquitaine, was technically a vassal of the French king. However, Edward, as a sovereign monarch in his own right, was reluctant to submit fully to French overlordship.

Edward II’s Resistance to Homage

• Unlike previous English monarchs, Edward II had not given homage to Philip’s brother, Louis X, and initially refused to do so for Philip V, despite Philip’s reputation for being more accommodating to England.
• By 1319, Philip allowed Edward to pay homage by proxy, which was considered an honor, recognizing Edward’s royal status.
• However, Philip expected personal homage in 1320, signaling his intent to assert greater French control over Gascony.

The 1320 Homage at Amiens

• Edward traveled to Amiens in 1320 to perform the traditional homage required of him as Duke of Aquitaine.
• Upon arrival, however, Philip V demanded that Edward also swear personal fealty—a stronger and more binding act than normal feudal homage.
• Homage traditionally recognized the feudal relationship between lord and vassal, while fealty implied a deeper personal loyalty and obedience beyond feudal duties.
• Edward gave homage as expected but refused to swear fealty, recognizing that this would compromise his authority as an independent monarch.

Increased French Pressure on England Over Gascony

• Although Edward technically fulfilled his vassal obligations, Philip’s additional demand for fealty reflected growing French pressure on England’s rule in Gascony.
• The situation remained tense, as France sought to tighten control over the duchy, leading to further conflicts in the coming decades.
• This episode foreshadowed the longer-term Anglo-French struggles over Gascony, which would later contribute to the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453).

Legacy

Philip V’s attempt to extract an oath of fealty from Edward II in 1320 marked an escalation in French claims over Gascony, reinforcing France’s efforts to reduce English autonomy in the region. Though diplomatic relations were maintained, the episode deepened tensions that would resurface in later Anglo-French conflicts.