Place Name
Commemorating the visits to Eltham Palace of King John II of France (April 26, 1319 – April 8, 1364), who was held prisoner in London after the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. When he came to power six years before, France was facing several major disasters: the Black Death, which eventually killed nearly half of its population; popular revolts; roaming bands of free company men plundering the country; and finally an ongoing war with the English which resulted in catastrophic military losses, including the Battle of Poitiers in which he himself was captured. He was taken to England and incarcerated at the Tower of London (albeit in great luxury). Back over the English Channel his son, as regent, worked to face down rebellion and organise the ransom necessary to liberate his father. After four years the monarch was freed following the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), in which France lost many territories. In an exchange of hostages, which included his second son Louis, Duke of Anjou, John was released from captivity to raise the agreed money for his ransom. Upon his return to France, he created the franc to stabilise the currency and tried to get rid of the free companies by sending them on a crusade. When John was informed that Louis had escaped from captivity, he voluntarily returned to England, where he died in 1364. He was succeeded by his son Charles V. The king, who was given a reasonable amount of freedom was here on several occasions, including as part of a farewell dinner where he dined with Edward III. He was known as King John Le Bon (The Good).
