Philip VI

Philip VI., of Valois, King of Feance (1293-1350), was the son of Charles of Valois, brother of Philip IV. He became king after the death of Charles IV. in 1328. Edward III. of England claimed the throne through his mother Isabella, daughter of Philip IV.; and this dispute, together with more substantial causes of quarrel, plunged the two countries in the Hundred Years' War, which broke out in 1337. In the midst of the distress caused by war and pestilence, Philip did not scruple to burden his subjects with extortionate taxes.