Consequences of the 1236 Attacks

• Jewish communities in western France were permanently weakened, with many fleeing or living under increased restrictions.
• The reputation of the crusaders suffered, as many church officials saw their actions as lawless and un-Christian.
• The attacks foreshadowed future waves of persecution, culminating in King Philip IV’s expulsion of Jews from France in 1306.

The massacre of Jewish communities in Anjou and Poitou in 1236 was one of the most devastating anti-Jewish pogroms of the 13th century, highlighting the dangerous intersection of crusading zeal, mob violence, and weak institutional control in medieval Europe.

English Control of Angoulême: John Chandos and the Implementation of the Treaty of Brétigny (1361)

Following the Treaty of Brétigny-Calais (1360), which expanded English sovereignty over large territories in France, the city of Angoulême, along with the entire region of Angoumois, was formally ceded to Edward III of England. In October 1361, Sir John Chandos, Edward’s Lieutenant in France and Constable of Aquitaine, arrived to implement English rule over the newly acquired territory.

John Chandos Takes Possession of Angoulême (October 16–22, 1361)

• From October 16 to 22, 1361, John Chandos formally took possession of Angoulême, securing control over:
  • The city and its fortifications.
  • The castles of the region.
  • The monastery of Saint-Pierre, a key religious and political institution.
• As part of the transition of power, he received oaths of allegiance from the leading figures of Angoulême, formally swearing loyalty to King Edward III of England.

Strategic Importance of Angoulême

• The city was centrally located in southwestern France, making it a valuable stronghold in English-controlled Aquitaine.
• It reinforced English dominance in the region, ensuring a key administrative and military presence.
• Control over Angoumois helped secure English trade routes and supply lines, further integrating the region into Plantagenet rule.

Consequences and Legacy

• The English governed Angoulême for nearly a decade, but tensions remained high due to local resistance.
• By 1369, when the Hundred Years’ War resumed, the city and much of Angoumois were recaptured by the French under King Charles V, reversing the territorial gains of the Treaty of Brétigny.
• John Chandos, a brilliant military commander, would continue to play a key role in the war, but his death in 1370 marked a turning point in the decline of English fortunes in France.

The occupation of Angoulême in 1361 was part of England’s efforts to consolidate its holdings in France, but the region’s ultimate return to French control in 1369 underscored the fragility of Plantagenet rule on the continent.

The English Occupation and French Recapture of Angoulême (1361–1373)

The city of Angoulême, along with the rest of Angoumois, fell under English control following the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), which temporarily expanded English sovereignty in France. However, by 1373, King Charles V’s forces expelled the English, restoring French rule and granting Angoulême numerous privileges.

English Occupation Under John Chandos (1361)

• From October 16 to 22, 1361, John Chandos, Lieutenant of Edward III of England and Constable of Aquitaine, arrived in Angoulême to implement English rule.
• During this time, he:
  • Took possession of the city, its castles, and the monastery of Saint-Pierre.
  • Received oaths of allegiance from the leading figures of Angoulême, ensuring loyalty to Edward III.

French Reconquest of Angoulême (1373)

• King Charles V of France, having adopted a strategy of reconquering English-held territories, launched a campaign in western France.
• In 1373, French troops expelled the English from Angoulême, marking a turning point in the war.
• As a reward for its return to French rule, Charles V granted the city numerous privileges, reinforcing its economic and political autonomy.

Impact and Legacy

• The recapture of Angoulême was part of the larger French resurgence under Charles V, which saw many English-held territories return to French control.
• John Chandos, a key English commander, would later be killed in battle in 1370, weakening English leadership in Aquitaine.
• The fall of Angoulême signaled the decline of English rule in western France, as Charles V’s reconquests continued to erode English gains from the Treaty of Brétigny.

The French reconquest of Angoulême in 1373 was a significant step in reversing English territorial expansion, ensuring that the city remained under French rule for the remainder of the Hundred Years' War.

II. John the Fearless’ Strategy with England

• Despite the Anglo-Armagnac treaty, John the Fearless managed to maintain good relations with England, ensuring they did not fully commit to his rivals.
• His key diplomatic advantage was the economic interdependence between Flanders and England:
  • Flanders’ economy relied on English wool imports, which fed its thriving cloth industry.
  • An English wool embargo could devastate Flemish merchants, a risk John could not afford.
• By balancing diplomacy with England, John ensured that Burgundy remained an economic powerhouse, avoiding crippling trade sanctions while keeping his political options open.

Louise of Savoy Becomes Duchess of Angoulême (February 4, 1515)

On February 4, 1515, shortly after the accession of her son, King Francis I, Louise of Savoy was officially elevated to the title of Duchess of Angoulême. This formal recognition marked a significant elevation of her political stature and authority within the kingdom of France. The appointment also symbolized the integration of the previously semi-autonomous territory of Angoumois into the French kingdom as an official province, reinforcing central royal authority.

Context and Political Significance

Louise of Savoy, born a princess of the House of Savoy, had proven herself a highly capable political strategist and influential figure at court even prior to her son's ascension. Her elevation to the Duchy of Angoulême affirmed her indispensable role within the new royal administration. This event was also politically symbolic, as Francis I’s dynasty was closely linked to Angoumois, strengthening the regional and familial roots of the newly ascendant royal line.

Integration of Angoumois into France

Previously, Angoumois, situated in southwestern France, enjoyed a degree of autonomy under regional counts and later dukes. Its integration into France in 1515 signified a strategic move by Francis I to reinforce royal centralization by directly controlling regions formerly governed by powerful noble families. Louise’s appointment thus embodied the broader political strategy of absorbing semi-independent territories into a centralized administrative framework.

Louise of Savoy’s Enhanced Authority

As Duchess of Angoulême, Louise gained extensive territorial and administrative powers. The title greatly augmented her standing and granted her substantial autonomy, allowing her to exert direct political influence. This role complemented her position as regent during Francis's absences, notably during his military campaigns in Italy (1515–1516), when she exercised effective control over the kingdom.

Consequences and Historical Legacy

The elevation of Louise to the Duchy of Angoulême had far-reaching implications. It underscored the consolidation of power under the Valois-Angoulême dynasty and affirmed the influential position women could occupy within French governance. Louise’s adept handling of her newfound authority established critical precedents for female leadership at the French court.

In the long term, the formal integration of Angoumois solidified royal authority across France, contributing significantly to the kingdom’s administrative cohesion and centralized monarchy—a legacy that continued throughout the sixteenth century and beyond.

François de Montmorency, eldest son of Anne, constable of France, had fought in Piedmont in 1551, defended Thérouanne in 1553, and had been appointed lieutenant general of the Île-de-France in 1556.

He had visited Rome the following yea to obtain a papal dispensation releasing him from his betrothal to Jeanne de Piennes so that he could marry Diane de France, the natural daughter of King Henry II of France by a young Piedmontese, Filippa Duc.

She is often thought, however, to be the illegitimate daughter of Diane de Poitiers.

Legitimized in 1547 when she was nine, she had married Orazio Farnese, duke di Castro, in 1553, but he was killed in battle the same year.

She had in 1559 married François, who succeeded his father as Duke de Montmorency in 1567.

Having been a close friend of the Huguenot leader, his cousin the Admiral de Coligny (son of Anne's sister Louise), he had become a leader of the moderate Catholic party of the Politiques working for peace within the realm and been imprisoned in the Bastille in May 1574, but he had been released before the “Peace of Monsieur” in 1576.

Diane, who had helped to make her husband a leader of the Politiques during Charles IX's reign, and who is known also for her culture and intelligence as well as for her beauty, had been widowed a second time in 1579.

Diane enjoys even greater influence with Henry III and in 1582 had received the duchy of Angoulême in appanage.

She has done much to influence the king's reconciliation with Henry of Navarre.

Many rumors, fake news items, and pamphlets have been distributed in Paris throughout 1618 to justify Concini’s murder.

Luynes employs extreme measures against the pamphleteers of the time, but seeks peace in Italy and with the Protestants.

King Louis, still suspicious of the Bishop of Luçon, had in 1618, banished him to Avignon, where Richelieu has spent most of his time writing, composing a catechism entitled L'Instruction du chrétien.

The queen mother had in February 1619 escaped from her confinement in the Château de Blois, becoming the titular leader of an aristocratic rebellion headed by Louis's younger brother Gaston d'Orleans, which Louis's forces easily disperse.

The King and the Luynes recall Richelieu, believing that he will be able to reason with the Queen, an endeavor in which he is successful, mediating between her and her son.

Complex negotiations led by Luynes bear fruit when the Treaty of Angoulême is ratified on August 10; Marie de Médicis is given complete freedom, but will remain at peace with the King; she is allowed to hold a small court at Angers.