Philip VI of France
| Philip VI the Fortunate | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| King of France (more...) | |
| Reign | 1 April 1328 – 22 August 1350 |
| Coronation | 29 May 1328 |
| Predecessor | Charles IV |
| Successor | John II |
| Born | 1293 |
| Died | 22 August 1350 (aged 57) Coulombes Abbey, Eure-et-Loir, France |
| Burial | Saint Denis Basilica |
| Spouse |
Joan of Burgundy Blanche of Navarre |
| Issue |
John II of France Philip, Duke of Orléans Joan of France |
| House | Valois |
| Father | Charles, Count of Valois |
| Mother | Margaret, Countess of Anjou |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Philip VI (French: Philippe VI) (1293 – 22 August 1350), called the Fortunate (French: le Fortuné) and of Valois, was the first King of France from the House of Valois. He reigned from 1328 until his death.
Philip's reign was dominated by the consequences of a succession dispute. When King Charles IV the Fair died without a male heir in 1328, the nearest male relative was his nephew Edward III of England, who inherited his claim through his mother Isabella of France, the sister of the dead king. It was held in France, however, that Edward was ineligible to inherit the French throne through the female line according to the ancient Salic Law. At first, Edward seemed to accept Philip's accession as the nearest male relative of Charles IV descended through the male line, however he pressed his claim to the throne of France after a series of disagreements with Philip. The result was the beginning of the Hundred Years' War in 1337.
After initial successes at sea, Philip's navy was annihilated at the Battle of Sluys in 1340, ensuring that the war would occur on the continent. The English took another decisive advantage at the Battle of Crécy (1346), while the Black Death struck France, further destabilizing the country.
In 1349, Philip VI bought the Dauphiné from its ruined ruler Humbert II and entrusted the government of this province to his grandson Charles. Philip VI died in 1350 and was succeeded by his son John II the Good.
Little is recorded about Philip's childhood and youth, in large part because he was not of royal birth. Philip's father Charles, Count of Valois, the younger brother of King Philip IV of France, had striven throughout his life to gain a throne for himself but was never successful. He died in 1325, leaving his eldest son Philip as heir to the counties of Anjou, Maine, and Valois.
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