On 21 February 1358 City Guild members summoned to attend St Eloy church, Paris, fully armed. This was a response to the Dauphin moving forces as tensions mounted over a potential treaty with England.
A treaty with England
On 5th February 1358 the English Parliament had been called by Edward III with a view to a treaty being agreed. In France, the terms of the treaty, agreed by their King, arrived at a moment of tension. The treaty and its economic impact fuelled the divisions in Paris.
French politics at this time was complicated. With the King being held by the English, Court was nominally presided over by the Queen and Dauphin. The Dauphin and Charles II of Navarre clashed on many issues. The nobility was divided on this dispute and equally at odds over how to respond to the treaty.
Parlement, Reforms, and the Dauphin’s response
French governance also included the Estates-General who represented the clergy, nobility, and commons. The Estates-General were in session as the terms of the treaty were being discussed. Amid the turmoil of the clash between the Dauphin and Charles II, they proposed reforms, which the Dauphin resisted.
The Dauphin relented, perhaps as a ruse, and put his seal as the King’s Lieutenant to the ordinances set out by the Estates-General. This led to delegates beginning to make ready to return to their homes. As this was taking place, the Dauphin’s army began to move. The movement was spotted by city officials who alerted the leadership of Paris.
City of Paris under Armed Guard
The city had seen its gates manned, chains across some streets and watches placed at notable locations. The Louvre palace had remained guarded by Dauphinist soldiers. Paris had two rival armed camps at high alert. And now one of them was on the move.
City officials took the decision to increase the guard. To do so they issued a summons to the members of the Cities Guilds. The members were to arm themselves and the following morning meet at the church of St. Eloy.
A large crowd congregated on the morning of the 23rd of February. Led by Etienne Marcel, they made their way to the Royal Apartments at the Parlement buildings. Marcel and an armed escort made their way into the Dauphin’s chambers. In front of the terrified Dauphin, they hacked to death two Marshalls of France.
The days that followed saw the mob invite Charles II of Navarre to assist them, an invitation that he gladly accepted.
Featured Image
Louvre 1358-1365: The Bois tower on the banks of the Seine and the Louvre castle in the background on the right. Public Domain, via Wikimedia.
