Two years after the Peace of Troyes, both Henry V and Charles VI were dead. The Treaty had not anticipated such an event. Who would ascend to the throne of France now?

Regents for Henry's son, Henry VI, claimed the throne was his. Charles' son - called the dauphin - disagreed. He said no Englishman but Henry V had a claim to the throne. Since Henry V was dead, the throne could not belong to England. Charles proclaimed himself king and took the name Charles VII.

Declaring he was king - and actually being king - were two very different things. The dauphin soon found out that his people would not recognize him as king until he was crowned in the traditional manner and place. French coronations always took place at the beautiful Cathedral in Rheims. And Rheims was controlled by the English.

GO TO STORY INDEX