Philip V of France (b. 1292)

Philip V of France: Reign and Legacy of Philippe le Long (1316-1322)

Philip V (c. 1293 – 3 January 1322), widely known as Philip the Tall (French: Philippe le Long), reigned as King of France and King of Navarre (as Philip II) from 1316 until his death in 1322. As a prominent figure of the House of Capet, his short but impactful reign was marked by a significant succession crisis that fundamentally reshaped the rules of French monarchy, as well as crucial administrative reforms and challenges to royal authority.

The Tumultuous Path to the Throne: A Succession Crisis Unfolds

As the second son of King Philip IV "the Fair," Philip V was initially granted the County of Poitiers as an appanage – a land grant typically given to younger royal children to provide them with income and status, but without rights to the main throne. The direct line of succession seemed secure when his elder brother, Louis X "the Quarreler," ascended to the French throne in 1314. However, tragedy struck quickly. Louis X died in June 1316, leaving behind only a young daughter, Joan, and a pregnant wife, Clementia of Hungary. This situation plunged the kingdom into an unprecedented succession crisis, as the Capetian dynasty had not faced a direct challenge to its male-preference tradition in centuries. Philip the Tall, leveraging his position and influence, successfully asserted his claim to the regency, temporarily governing the kingdom during this period of uncertainty. Queen Clementia subsequently gave birth to a son, who was immediately proclaimed King John I. However, the infant king, often referred to as John I "the Posthumous," lived for only five days (15-20 November 1316). His untimely death reignited the succession debate with even greater urgency.

Establishing the Salic Law: A Precedent for French Monarchy

Following the death of his infant nephew, Philip moved swiftly to secure his claim, having himself crowned King at Reims Cathedral. Yet, his legitimacy was not universally accepted. A strong challenge emerged from the party supporting Louis X's daughter, Joan (who would later become Joan II of Navarre). Philip V's claim to the throne ultimately prevailed for several compelling reasons:

• Youth and Capacity: Joan was still a young child, raising concerns about her ability to rule effectively in a challenging political climate.
• Paternity Doubts: Lingering suspicions regarding Joan's paternity, stemming from the infamous Tour de Nesle Affair – a scandal that implicated her mother, Margaret of Burgundy, in adultery and led to the imprisonment and death of royal daughters-in-law – cast a shadow over her legitimacy. While never definitively proven, these doubts served to undermine her claim.
• The Estates General's Decision: Crucially, the Estates General, an assembly of representatives from the three estates of French society (clergy, nobility, and commoners), was convened to address the unprecedented succession dilemma. This assembly played a pivotal role, making a landmark determination to exclude women from the line of succession to the French throne. This decision, influenced by Roman and Frankish legal traditions, effectively barred Joan from inheriting the crown.

The succession of Philip V over his niece Joan established a powerful precedent that would become known as the Salic Law (lex salica) in French royal succession. Although the term "Salic Law" was applied retrospectively and debated, this event firmly solidified the principle of agnatic succession (through the male line only) for the French crown. This fundamental shift would later have profound implications, notably contributing to the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War in 1337, when Edward III of England, through his mother Isabella (daughter of Philip IV and sister of Philip V), claimed the French throne, a claim directly countered by the new Salic Law.

Foreign Relations and Domestic Strife

Philip V's reign saw a mix of foreign policy adjustments and significant internal challenges. He managed to restore relatively stable relations with the wealthy and strategically important County of Flanders, which had been in open rebellion during the latter years of his father's rule, a conflict driven by economic grievances and feudal tensions. However, his relationship with Edward II of England, who was also the Duke of Guyenne (or Aquitaine) and thus a vassal of the French king, deteriorated. Edward II's initial refusal to pay homage to Philip V for his French duchy was a recurring point of friction, symbolizing the delicate balance of power and feudal obligations between the two crowns.

Domestically, Philip faced the disruptive and violent popular uprising known as the Pastoureaux Crusade of 1320 (Shepherds' Crusade). This movement, originating in Normandy, began with the declared aim of liberating the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. However, it quickly devolved into an angry and uncontrolled mob that marched south through France, attacking symbols of authority and marginalized groups, including castles, royal officials, priests, lepers, and Jewish communities. This spontaneous crusade highlighted the simmering social unrest and anti-establishment sentiment within the kingdom, posing a direct challenge to royal authority and stability.

Administrative Reforms and Legacy

Despite the challenges, Philip V was a proactive monarch who engaged in a series of significant domestic reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and centralization of royal administration and the overall management of the kingdom. These initiatives showcased his commitment to good governance:

• Creation of an Independent Court of Finances: Philip established the Chambre des Comptes (Chamber of Accounts), an independent and specialized royal court dedicated to overseeing and auditing the kingdom's finances. This was a crucial step towards modernizing royal financial management and ensuring accountability.
• Standardization of Weights and Measures: Recognizing the economic benefits of uniformity, Philip made efforts to standardize weights and measures across the kingdom. This reform was intended to facilitate trade, reduce disputes, and enhance the fairness of commercial transactions, contributing to economic stability.
• Establishment of a Single Currency: He also worked towards the establishment of a single, unified currency. A standardized currency would streamline economic activity, simplify taxation, and further solidify royal control over the economy, moving away from a fragmented system of diverse local coinage.

Philip V died from dysentery on 3 January 1322, without a surviving male heir. His death, barely five years into his reign, once again brought the Capetian succession into question, despite the precedent of the Salic Law he had helped establish. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Charles IV, who would be the last direct Capetian King of France, further underscoring the dynasty's ongoing struggles to secure a clear male succession in the early 14th century.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philip V of France

Who was Philip V of France?

Philip V, also known as Philip the Tall (Philippe le Long), was the King of France and Navarre from 1316 to 1322. He was the second son of King Philip IV and ascended to the throne during a significant succession crisis.

How did Philip V become King of France?

Philip V became king after the death of his elder brother, Louis X, and Louis's infant son, John I, who only lived for five days. Philip successfully claimed the regency and then the throne, notably overcoming the claims of his niece, Joan, by asserting the principle that women could not inherit the French crown.

What was the "Salic Law" and how did Philip V's reign contribute to it?

The "Salic Law," in the context of French succession, refers to the principle that only male heirs could inherit the French throne, explicitly excluding women and descent through the female line. Philip V's succession, where the Estates General supported his claim over his niece Joan (daughter of Louis X), established a crucial precedent for this law, which profoundly shaped future French history and contributed to conflicts like the Hundred Years' War.

What were some key challenges during Philip V's reign?

Philip V faced challenges including ongoing feudal disputes with Edward II of England (Duke of Guyenne) over homage, and significant domestic unrest exemplified by the violent Pastoureaux Crusade of 1320, which involved widespread attacks on Jewish communities, lepers, and royal officials.

What reforms did Philip V implement during his reign?

Philip V initiated several important domestic reforms aimed at strengthening royal administration and the kingdom's economy. These included establishing the independent Chambre des Comptes (Court of Finances), efforts to standardize weights and measures across France, and working towards a single, unified national currency.