Louis VIII

Also known as: French kings sonne / Louis VIII of France · Family: France · Role: son of King Philip · First appears: King John 4

In 1200, Louis VIII was engaged to Blanche of Castile in an agreement arranged with King John, while he was identified as the son of Philip II of France. In 1213, Philip II of France left him in garrison at Lisle and Doway. In 1215, after King John withdrew, Louis brought the Poictouins back to subjection and put the chief authors of the rebellion to death.

Around 1215, Saer de Quincy, Earl of Winchester and Robert FitzWalter offered Louis the crown of England and asked him to come to their aid. Philip II of France promised support, received hostages, and prepared an army and ships. Louis, who had married Blanche of Castile, landed at Sandwich in 1216; English lords and gentlemen swore homage to him, and he took an oath to maintain England’s old laws and restore rightful inheritances. He captured Rochester Castle, where he hanged the foreign defenders, and received the submission of London.

As his power grew, Louis was joined by William de Warenne, Earl of Surrey, William d'Aubigny, Earl of Arundel, William Longespée, Earl of Salisbury, and William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, while foreign knights entered his service. He appointed Simon Langton chancellor, though Gualo excommunicated Louis, his supporters, and Simon Langton. Louis captured castles at Rigat, Gilford, Farnham, and Winchester, received the surrender of the Tower of London, and created Gilbert de Gaunt Earl of Lincoln. He faced resistance from William de Collingham, Hubert de Burgh, and Gerard de Sotigam, failed to take Dover Castle, and had Thomas de Burgh taken prisoner. At the siege of Dover, Alexander II of Scotland did homage to him, while Pope Honorius III supported King John against him.