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Edward III had done the unthinkable: he had proclaimed himself king of England and France. Dr Janina Ramirez, Chivalry and Betrayal: The Hundred Years’ War I: Trouble in the Family 1337-1360, BBC 2013
To claim back his rights in France he would have to take on Philip’s army. ibid.
King Edward and his campaigns were hugely popular. ibid.
France and England were forced to agree a truce but it was a fragile death … the plague had plunged the country into a moral panic. ibid.
Edward reignited the war ... This was systematic pillage and destruction ... This time Edward had not just humbled the French monarchy he had broken it. ibid.
In the summer of 1348 the English could be forgiven for thinking themselves unconquerable. They had vanquished the old enemies – the Scots and the French. Their King – Edward III – seemed the most powerful ruler in Europe. But they would be conquered ... King Death. His weapon was plague ... Almost half the country would be dead. Simon Schama, A History of Britain: King Death, BBC 2000
Edward III was not a statesman, though he possessed some qualifications which might have made him a successful one. He was a warrior; ambitious, unscrupulous, selfish, extravagant and ostentatious. His obligations as a king sat very lightly on him. He felt himself bound by no special duty, either to maintain the theory of royal supremacy or to follow a policy which would benefit his people. Like Richard I, he valued England primarily as a source of supplies. William Stubbs, The Constitutional History of England
Edward [III] was the perfect gentleman … This was a quiet revolution. Monarchy by David Starkey s1e5: A United Kingdom, Channel 4 2004
War with France offered the chance of rich booty … He was about to start a war that would last a hundred years. ibid.
The world we live in was shaped by war. For hundreds of years power-hungry families fought for the right to rule, and Europe transformed. These rivalries shifted borders, destroyed cities and brought populations to their knees. A war of thrones, a tale of murder, sex and betrayal. The Real War of Thrones s1e1: The True History of Europe: War is Declared 1328-1365, 2017
In the 14th century Philip VI, king of France, saw a great new rival emerge – the Plantagenet king of England, Edward III. He intended to seize the crown from his Valois cousin … It started the longest and bloodiest war in European history: this became known as the Hundred Years War.
Edward wanted revenge. Isabel was an accomplice to all her lover’s crimes. But Edward showed her mercy and let her live. Mortimer wasn’t so fortunate. ibid.
Edward declared himself the legitimate heir to the French throne. This was nothing short of a declaration of war. ibid.
Against all odds, Edward had destroyed Philip’s army. But the 100 Year War was far from over. ibid.