Philip, Count of Longueville - Revolution in Paris

Revolution in Paris

September 1357 negotiations began in London between the English government and King John II, who was still a prisoner. Philip had attempted to persuade Edward that the release of his brother Charles should be one of the conditions for a truce with France, but met only evasions. 9 November 1357 Charles of Navarre escaped from his prison at Arleux, three weeks later he was received as a hero returned by a Paris increasingly hostile to the Dauphin’s government. This sped up the proceedings considerably and the kings agreed to a draft treaty, which among other things, provided that Philip of Navarre should be restored to all that he had held in France before the outbreak of the civil war. Peace between France and England was however not in the interest of the King of Navarre who relied on the continued political instability to achieve his political ambitions.

In December Charles left Paris for Normandy to build up his strength before his final showdown with the Dauphin. He returned to Paris in February 1358 where he allied with the Provost of the Merchants, Etienne Marcel. However by July the Dauphin had gained the advantage in the power struggle; he had the support of the French aristocracy, the Parisians, provoked by the presence of English and Navarrese guards within the city, were also increasingly sympathetic to his cause. Philip answered Charles’ call for reinforcements by assembling a considerable force drawn from the garrisons of Normandy and Brittany. Composed mainly of Englishmen the army also included such veteran captains as Robert Knolles and Hugh Calveley and Philip's marshal John Fotheringhay. Before Philip could arrive the mood of the city had completely turned against the King of Navarre who had been forced to barricade himself in Saint-Denis with his guards. On 31 July Paris rose up against and destroyed the regime of Etienne Marcel, the Provost himself was killed by the mob. Charles now resolved upon a full alliance with Edward III. On 2 August Charles and Philip led their army to the north side of the city where they occupied the abbey and suburb of Saint-Laurent, apparently preparing to take the city by assault. However evening the same day the Dauphin entered Paris by the Porte Saint-Antoine. All hopes of capturing Paris now lost; the Navarrese army withdrew to Mantes.

Spring 1359 he led a mainly English army out of Mantes to relieve the garrison of Saint-Valéry. The garrison surrendered 21 April before Philip could arrive. He instead led his army into western Champagne where he sustained himself for six weeks while evading the counterattacks of the Constable and Admiral of France, returning to Normandy in early June having achieved little of lasting value. On 20 August 1359 Charles of Navarre made his peace with the Dauphin. Philip however chose to continue in the service of the King of England as did many of the Navarrese garrisons in Normandy.