Loss of Normandy

Why did Normandy matter?

For Richard/John

It was the closest part of the Angevin Empire in France to England and provided a gateway to other regions. Losing it to Phillip meant threat of invasion on England would increase

Many leading English Barons also had land in France. Losing Normandy would mean barons would lose confidence in the king's ability to rule

For Phillip

Normandy and particularly the Vexin, was close to Paris so whoever held the land could threaten France

Gaining control of Normandy would make it easier to take more land in France or England

For either

Wealthy, fertile farmland produceing important crops and animal fodder.

Norman towns were wealthy and traded with England, Phillip wanted this trade and Richard/John didn't want to lose it.

Phillip was a dangerous opponent

Wealth

Wealthier than he had been and in 1192 had gained wealthy lands so had more money to wage war more efficiently

Experience

clever diplomat - had caused trouble for Henry II by manipulating his sons

had joined Richard in successful attacks against HenryII

skilled military leader - played important part at acre

Allies

Lots of Powerful and Wealthy allies. e.g.

Count of Toulouse

Count of Flanders

Count of Boulogne

How did Richard win back control of normandy

  • When Phillip laid siege to Richard's castle of Verneuil he successfully brought down the castle walls. Richard arrived jut in time and sent knights in to break the French lines and strengthened the defence on the castle. the rest of Richard's forces attacked Phillips supply line. Phillip retreated and John switched sides to Richard
  • Phillip went towards the town of Vendome so did Richard. Phillip tried to intimidate Richard by threatening an attach. Richard advanced the next morning and Phillip retreated, Richard followed. almost capturing Phillip, Richard got his baggage train and seized horses, treasure and siege engines
  • Phillip attached John who was laying siege to Vandreuil. Phillip won and captured much of John's infantry and siege artillery. a truce was made between Richard and Phillip.
  • In 1196 Richard built Chateau Gaillard which protected Rouen and was a strong base to attack Phillip from. it cost £12,000 (more that all of his castles in England) and could be defended from all angles. it was by the River Seine.
  • in October 1196 Richard made an alliance with Raymond VI, Count of Toulouse.
  • Richard made and alliance with Baldwin IX, count of Flanders. this was important because he had been an ally of Phillip. Baldwin attacked Artois and placed Arras under siege. Phillip went to defend it and pushed Baldwin back but Richard captured Castles in Berry while Phillip was busy
  • Richard gained another ally in Renouad, count of Boulogne, weakening Phillip further. in September 1198 Baldwin and Renoauld took control of St Omer
  • Richard and Phillip agreed to a five year truce, Phillip gave back everything he had taken while Richard was captured except Gisors

Richard was killed by an archer in Aquitaine

How John Lost control of Normandy

John lost key allies - his treatment of Arthur and other noble prisoners meant powerful nobles changed sides

English barons where reluctant to finance another was

didn't have the money to hire soldiers or bribe nobles

Phillip was a good military leader and diplomat who could win people to his side

John made diplomatic mistakes by not giving Hugh de Lusigan for loss of wife

he made military mistakes by leaving Chateau Gaillard and not sending reinforcements