John II
John II was born in 1319 and was a member of the House of Valois. He was crowned King of France in 1350 at a time when France was in crisis. The country was facing the Black Death, revolts, companies of mercenary soldiers that would plunder the country and there was the constant threat of English aggression. It was that English aggression that would have John II on the wrong side of the wall in the Tower of London.
In 1355 the Hundred Years’ War flared up and Edward the Black Prince led his army through France. John followed with his army and in September 1356 the two armies met. During the Battle of Poitiers, John and 19 of his knights dressed identically in the hopes of preventing John’s capture. The plan failed and John was captured and eventually taken to England. It was decided that the King would best be kept at the Tower of London.
While he was prisoner John II enjoyed a lifestyle that in some ways was better than if he were back home in France. He was allowed to travel and he was given the means to enjoy a very regal lifestyle. His son Charles became regent and had to put down rebellions and find a way to raise money to maintain the army that was needed to defend France. John was busy buying pets, clothes and enjoying his personal court band and astrologer.
In 1360 the Treat of Bretigny finally set the terms for John II’s freedom. He was to pay 3 million crowns and he was allowed to return to France in order to raise the funds. To guarantee he would pay, he left his son Louis of Anjou as a replacement hostage. Louis of Anjou got tired of waiting and escaped in 1363. John saw his son’s escape as a matter of dishonor and decided that he would return to England as a prisoner. He arrived in London in 1364 but a few months later he became ill. He died in April and his body was sent back to France.