1325–1327: Isabella, Homages, and the Treaty of Paris

After the campaign of 1324, the monarchy seeks a political solution: avoid escalation while consolidating the authority of the king of France over lands held in fief by England.

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🏛️ Homage and Negotiation

Edward II sends in 1325 his wife Isabella of France (sister of Charles IV) to negotiate. With papal backing, an agreement is found in May 1325: Gascony must be restored, but French authority is strengthened (designation of officers of the dukedom, requirement of homage).

Edward II refuses to travel and sends his son, Prince Edward, whom he titles Duke of Aquitaine. Under Isabella’s aegis, the prince renders homage to Charles IV. The king of France takes advantage of the situation to impose harsher conditions: Gascony is returned, but diminished by the Agenais. Edward II disavows his son and denounces the modified treaty; Charles retaliates with a new confiscation.

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🧠 Toward a Larger Crisis

The crisis quickly spills over into English politics. Isabella displays her relationship with Roger Mortimer; their return to England leads to Edward II’s fall. On January 25, 1327, Prince Edward becomes Edward III.

The question of Gascony remains. Isabella signs on March 31, 1327 a Treaty of Paris highly unfavorable to England: the dukedom is recovered (less the Agenais) at the price of a large indemnity. The death of Charles IV in 1328 will complicate full implementation of this agreement.

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🧠 Key Points to Remember

• The agreements are compromises, not lasting peace.
• 1325–1327: To negotiate Gascony is also to control homage and officers.
• The crisis accelerates Franco-English hostility and prepares what comes next in the 14th century.