King Edward of England paying homage to French King Phillip IV in his throne room (1286)

20 comments
  1. In Denmark, when you are “blending with the wallpaper” it means you are very shy.

    I don’t think it had the same meaning in 13th century France.

  2. Interesting bit of feudalism going on here. For anyone that doesn’t know, the kings of England during this period, while kings in their own right *in England*, also held various titles in France, as vassals of the French king.

    Edward here is paying homage as Duke of Aquitaine & Gascony, titles which were confiscated in 1294, sparking the Anglo-French war (1294-1303). Although Phillip had the better of the fighting, rebellion in Flanders caused him to agree to restore the duchies to Edward for peace, and homage – I suspect this event is what this image depicts. Marriage between Edward and Phillip’s daughter Isabella was also agreed (which gave rise to later English claims to the French throne). English territory in France would wax and wane over the years with Henry II controlling more than half of France, while still technically being a vassal, and Henry VI being crowned king of France entirely (although the French retroactively refuse to recognise him).

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