Philip IV’s Retaliation After the Battle of …
Years: 1304 - 1304
August
Philip IV’s Retaliation After the Battle of the Golden Spurs: The Flemish War Continues (1302–1304)
The Battle of the Golden Spurs (1302) had dealt a devastating blow to the French nobility, with about 40% of France’s knights and noblemen slain at Courtrai. This deep crisis among the nobility paradoxically strengthened the authority of King Philip IV, as the surviving nobles became more reliant on royal leadership for military and political stability.
Determined to avenge the humiliation and restore French control over Flanders, Philip IV launched a renewed military campaign, culminating in:
- The destruction of a Flemish fleet under Guy of Namur at the Battle of Zierikzee (1304).
- The Battle of Mons-en-Pévèle (August 17, 1304), where Philip personally fought the Flemish forces to a bloody draw.
The Battle of Zierikzee (August 10, 1304): The Destruction of the Flemish Fleet
- Guy of Namur, son of Count Guy of Dampierre, had led a Flemish fleet to Zeeland, hoping to extend Flemish influence into the coastal regions controlled by Holland.
- Philip IV, with the aid of John II of Holland (Avesnes dynasty), launched a coordinated naval assault.
- The Flemish fleet was decisively defeated, cutting off Flanders’ ability to reinforce its rebellion by sea.
Locations
People
Groups
- Flanders, County of
- France, (Capetian) Kingdom of
- Utrecht, Bishopric of
- Hainaut, County of
- Holland, County of
- Brabant, Duchy of
