This Day in History: 1340-01-26

In 1340 Edward III of England proclaimed himself King of France, further antagonising King Philip VI of France and further igniting the conflict of the ‘Hundred Years War’.

Conflict between the Kingdoms began when King Edward III refused to pay homage to King Philip VI (as was his right since the Norman conquest of England in 1066) leading the French king to confiscate Edward’s lands in France. Edward’s mother was the brother of the previous king of France (King Charles IV of France), whereas Philip was a cousin of the former French king. This meant that Edward was the closest male relative to the throne but only through a female line of descent (matrilineal) but this was not recognised. This claim strengthened his campaign against King Philip VI, a war from 1337 to 1453.