1385: The Navarrese Confiscation and the Devaluation of the Franc

In 1385, the monarchy and the council faced a classic problem: governing required revenues, but overly visible taxation triggered revolts. Two levers appeared: territory/justice (confiscations) and currency (devaluation).

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⚖️ Normandy: The Confiscation of Navarrese Lands

The county of Évreux and the Cotentin, Navarrese possessions, had been occupied under Charles V. In 1381, Charles VI agreed to a partial restitution, but the affair reversed: in March 1385, the king definitively confiscated these lands. The message was twofold:

• the king defended the security of the kingdom and sanctioned alleged threats;
• sovereignty was exercised through control of the Norman “marches”.

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🪙 Currency: Devalue to Stimulate

In the Low Countries, prosperity depended on exchange and the circulation of money. Business circles pressed for a correction of the effects of a currency that was too “strong” and too scarce. In April 1385, the government devalued the franc and adjusted the price of precious metal.

The aim was not only financial: stimulating trade also helped restore social peace after the fiscal revolts. A state that wished to endure had to make taxation acceptable… but also offer prosperity as a political counterpart.

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🧠 Key Takeaways

• 1385 combined territorial sovereignty (Normandy) and monetary policy.
• After the revolts, the monarchy sought a balance between revenues and social appeasement.