Peter of Savoy: The Little Charlemagne

Peter of Savoy was a key figure in the thirteenth century, coming to England as the uncle of Queen Alianor de Provence and playing a key role in Henry III's military and diplomatic efforts to recover his ancestral lands in France. He was also involved in the Second Baronial War and laid the foundations for the County of Savoy to become a powerful Duchy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The story that led to the construction of the magnificent Edwardian castles in north Wales can be traced back to the reign of King Henry III of England. During this time, Peter of Savoy, who was the uncle of Queen Alianor de Provence, the consort of King Henry III, came to England. Peter quickly gained favor as one of King Henry's closest advisers and noblemen. He played a crucial role in Henry's military and diplomatic efforts to reclaim his ancestral lands in France, which culminated in the 1259 Treaty of Paris. This treaty marked a significant rapprochement between the Capetians and the Plantagenets, which could have potentially prevented the Hundred Years War. However, it was not to be.

Despite this, the monks of Savoy in the nineteenth century considered Peter's achievement in securing the treaty as his greatest accomplishment. Peter also played a significant role in the Second Baronial War, which engulfed Henry's reign. Initially siding with Simon de Montfort, he later changed sides as the reform movement veered toward xenophobia. After returning to Savoy, Peter laid the foundations for the County of Savoy to become a powerful duchy, which almost achieved the status of a country before it was dismembered by Switzerland, Italy, and France.

Peter's historical reputation suffered at the hands of English chroniclers who were eager to eulogize the Montfortian regime. However, his contributions to English history and his role in shaping the political landscape of Europe cannot be denied. His legacy continues to be studied and celebrated by historians and scholars to this day.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399065665