Philip II Invades the Vexin After Richard I’s Capture (1193 CE)

Upon learning that Richard I had been captured on his journey home from the Third Crusade, Philip II of France acted swiftly, taking advantage of Richard’s absence and vulnerability. His first move was to invade the strategically vital region of the Vexin, which had long been a source of contention between England and France.

Philip’s Seizure of Gisors

• Philip’s first target was Gisors, the key fortress in the Vexin, which was commanded by Gilbert de Vascoeuil.
• Without Richard to lead his forces, the Angevin defenses were weakened.
• Gisors surrendered without resistance, falling into French hands with little effort.

This was a major victory for Philip, as Gisors was one of the most heavily contested fortresses between the Capetians and the Angevins.

Exploiting Richard’s Imprisonment

• Richard had been captured in December 1192 near Vienna by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, and was later handed over to Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI.
• With Richard imprisoned, Philip had a golden opportunity to seize Plantagenet lands in France.
• He continued his campaign in Normandy, aiming to take further strongholds while Richard was unable to resist.

Impact of Philip’s Invasion

• The fall of Gisors marked the beginning of Philip’s territorial expansion at Richard’s expense.
• With Richard absent, Philip sought to dismantle Angevin control in France, further strengthening Capetian dominance.
• This invasion escalated the conflict between England and France, setting the stage for further Plantagenet-Capetian wars in the late 12th century.

Philip’s rapid seizure of Gisors in 1193 was a crucial turning point in his long struggle against the Angevins, allowing him to gain ground in Normandy while Richard remained a prisoner in Germany.