John II and the Display of Plantagenet Power, 1356–58

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the first two years of the John II’s captivity, during which the Black Prince and Edward III devised a range of ceremonies and festivities (including ceremonial entries, tournaments and feasts) that put the French king on public display and highlighted the power of the Plantagenet monarchy. As well as triggering developments in the presentation of the French king’s image, John’s presence in England spurred on Edward III’s use of political propaganda. The English king and the Black Prince highlighted their chivalric qualities by treating the French king with great honour. While their handling of John was a far cry from the actions of kings such as Philip Augustus and Edward I (both of whom had displayed their high-ranking prisoners in chains), the festivities Edward III devised to honour John II were intended to call attention to the power he held over the French king.