Who was Philip VI of France? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Philip, the Fortunate

Died At Age: 57

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Blanche of Navarre, Joan the Lame (m. 1313–1349), Queen of France (m. 1350–1350)

father: Charles, Count of Valois

mother: Countess of Anjou, Margaret

siblings: Charles II; Count of Alençon, Margaret of Valois; Countess of Blois

children: Duke of Orléans, Joan of France, John II of France, Philip

Born Country: France

Emperors & Kings French Men

Died on: August 22, 1350

place of death: Nogent-le-Roi, France

Cause of Death: Plague

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1

When did Philip VI of France become king?

Philip VI of France became king on April 1, 1328.
2

What were some of the major accomplishments of Philip VI of France during his reign?

Some major accomplishments of Philip VI of France include leading France during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War and successfully defending the kingdom against English invasions.
3

What was the significance of the Battle of Crécy during Philip VI of France's reign?

The Battle of Crécy, which took place in 1346 during Philip VI's reign, was a major military engagement in the Hundred Years' War where the French suffered a significant defeat against the English.
4

How did Philip VI of France contribute to the development of the French monarchy?

Philip VI of France strengthened the central authority of the French monarchy and expanded its influence over various regions through administrative reforms and military campaigns.
5

What was the impact of the Black Death on France during Philip VI's reign?

The Black Death, a devastating pandemic that spread across Europe in the mid-14th century, had a significant impact on France during Philip VI's reign, leading to a drastic decline in population and economic disruption.

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Childhood & Early Life

Philip VI of France was born in 1293 to Charles, Count of Valois, whose elder brother was King Philip IV of France. His mother was Margaret, Countess of Anjou.

He had many siblings, including Isabelle de Valois; Charles 'le Magnanime' de Valois, baron de Châteauneuf; Jeanne de Valois, Countess of Hainault; and Catherine de Valois.

He also had many half-siblings, including Margaret de Brossard; Anne Valois; Jean de Valois, Comte de Chartres; Antoine Valois; and Catherine Ii de Valois-Courtenay.

In 1328, his first cousin Charles IV passed away without a male heir. As a result, Philip gained the right to access the throne along with Charles' nephew, King Edward III of England.

As Philip VI was Philip III’s eldest grandson, he became the regent rather than Edward, who was his great-grandson.

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Accession & Reign

Philip VI of France was crowned as the king on 29 May 1328. Although his reign was marked by numerous crises, it started with a triumph over Flanders at the Battle of Cassel.

He initially shared amicable relations with Edward III and even planned a campaign with him in 1332. However, he had become the latter’s enemy by 1336.

Philip also enraged Robert of Artois, one of his trusted advisers, who later committed forgery by trying to obtain an inheritance. Robert was supported by Edward and their alliance deteriorated the Anglo-French relations and led to the declaration of the Hundred Years’ War in 1337.

The Hundred Years' War

Philip VI of France faced the initial years of the Hundred Years' War with great strength. The opening stages of the war were successful for the French as France was wealthy and more populous than England.

In 1339, the king planned an invasion of England and eventually assembled his army off the Zeeland coast at Sluys. The following year, his army suffered a serious defeat in the naval Battle of Sluys. In the year 1340, Edward launched the Siege of Tournai that eventually ended with a truce.

By the mid-1340s, France’s condition was worsening and the English army, under the Earl of Derby and Sir Thomas Dagworth, was gaining the upper hand.

The French responded with a gigantic counter-attack against Aquitaine in 1346 where an army under Philip’s son John II besieged Derby at Aiguillon. The English eventually won, pushing the French kingdom to further despair.

After his defeat, Philip VI of France was forced to call a new meeting of the estates in 1347 and recast his council. However, his kingdom’s condition didn’t improve. The Black Death epidemic also struck around this time, killing almost one-third of the population, thus ruining the French kingdom even further.

His last major achievement was the procurement of the province of Dauphiné as well as the territory of Montpellier in 1349.

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Final Years

Philip VI of France died on 22 August 1350, at Coulombes Abbey, Eure-et-Loir. He was in his late 50s at the time of his death.

Following his death, France became a divided nation filled with social unrest. The king was succeeded by his eldest son, John II, the Good.

Family & Personal Life

Philip VI of France married Joan the Lame in July 1313. She was a daughter of Agnes of France and Robert II, Duke of Burgundy.

They had nine children, including John II, who succeeded Philip and died in 1364; Marie, who married John of Brabant but died shortly afterwards; and Philip, Duke of Orléans.

Following Joan the Lame’s death in 1349, Philip VI of France married Blanche of Navarre, daughter of Philip III of Navarre in 1350. They had a daughter named Joan who was born several months after Philip’s death. Joan, who was engaged to marry John I of Aragon, died before her marriage.

Facts About Philip VI of France

Philip VI of France was known for his love of hunting and was an avid falconer, often spending his leisure time in pursuit of game.

He was a patron of the arts and supported many artists and musicians during his reign, contributing to the cultural flourishing of France.

Philip VI was fluent in multiple languages, including Latin and Old French, showcasing his intellectual prowess.

He was a devoted family man and had a close relationship with his children, often spending time with them and taking an active role in their upbringing.

Despite being a king, Philip VI was known for his humility and approachability, making an effort to connect with his subjects on a personal level.

Philip VI of France Biography

You wanted to know

When did Philip VI of France become king?

What were some of the major accomplishments of Philip VI of France during his reign?

What was the significance of the Battle of Crécy during Philip VI of France's reign?

How did Philip VI of France contribute to the development of the French monarchy?

What was the impact of the Black Death on France during Philip VI's reign?