The Treaty of Brétigny and Its Consequences

The Treaty of Brétigny (1360) marked the monarchy's lowest point since the Capetian accession. To secure John II's release, France ceded full sovereignty over vast territories—nearly a third of the kingdom—to Edward III. The royal ransom of 3 million écus imposed crushing fiscal burdens. Calais, Guyenne, Poitou, and other regions passed to English control. In return, Edward renounced his claim to the French throne, though this renunciation was never formally implemented.

John II's return to captivity in 1364 when his substitute hostage escaped demonstrated chivalric honor trumping political sense. His death in London spared France further ransom payments but highlighted the dysfunction of traditional royal values. Yet the treaty period saw important administrative developments. The need to raise ransom funds necessitated new tax mechanisms that outlasted their original purpose. Royal officials extended their authority in remaining territories to compensate for losses elsewhere.