Louis VIII

Louis VIII, known as The Lion, was the King of France from 1223 until his death in 1226. Prior to his kingship, he invaded England in 1216 at the behest of rebellious barons and was declared ‘King of England’ in London, although he was never crowned and did not maintain control. He participated in the Albigensian Crusade both as a prince and later as king, leading to his temporary excommunication until the Treaty of Lambeth, which ended his claim to the English throne and required him to never invade England again. As king, Louis VIII reversed his father’s policies towards Jewish usury, which led to the establishment of Lombard moneylenders in Paris. His military campaigns significantly weakened the Angevin Empire, securing territories such as Poitou and parts of Languedoc for France.

Prince Louis was born to Philip II of France and Isabelle of Hainaut and married Blanche of Castile, with whom he had several children, including his successor, Louis IX. His reign saw the capture of several key territories from the Angevins and continued the effort against the Albigensians. He died from dysentery in 1226 while returning from his crusade, and his remains were interred at the Saint Denis Basilica.