Medieval battle, part of the ongoing fighting between Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France
Richard I's defeat of Philip II at Fréteval led to the capture of French royal archives, directly prompting creation of the Archives Nationales in Paris.
Key Facts
- Date
- 3 July 1194
- Conflict period
- 1193–1199
- Outcome
- Anglo-Norman/Angevin victory; French army defeated
- Notable capture
- Philip II's royal archives seized by Richard I
- Long-term consequence
- Creation of French Archives Nationales in Paris
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
From 1193, Richard I of England and Philip II of France were engaged in prolonged military conflict over territories and influence in France. Following Richard's return from captivity, hostilities intensified as both rulers sought to assert dominance over disputed Angevin and Norman lands.
On 3 July 1194, Anglo-Norman and Angevin forces under Richard I ambushed the French army led by Philip II near Fréteval. The French were defeated and Philip was forced to flee. In his hasty retreat, Philip left behind the French royal archives, which were captured by Richard's forces.
Although Philip escaped, the loss of his archives was a significant blow. Determined to prevent such a loss in future, Philip resolved to store his records securely in Paris rather than transporting them on campaign. This decision led directly to the establishment of the Archives Nationales, France's national archive.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Richard I (the Lionheart).
Side B
1 belligerent
Philip II of France.