It is no accident that scholars have dubbed the spare, simple Gothic architecture of the 13th century 'Early English', epitomised by Salisbury Cathedral, largely built between 12. But despite Frenchness of manners and names, English barons became increasingly conscious of their Englishness, which they declared in anti-foreign attitudes which focused on immigrant courtiers. Henry III's reign witnessed many closer links with France, where Louis IX (St Louis) was his brother-in-law.įrench culture was echoed in Britain, especially in Gothic architecture.

By the Treaty of Paris (1259) he admitted failure and secured remote Gascony by giving up claims to lands in northern France, including iconic Normandy. His half-hearted campaigns in France were unsuccessful in regaining lands lost by his father, John. Henry III (1216 - 1272) was not a soldierly king. Population continued to rise in the 1200s, primogeniture became more established and there were many younger warrior sons looking for lands and glory. John's loss of French lands soon after 1200 also made England more inward-looking and frustrated.

Medieval kingdoms total war 1295