It was a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 between the
Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, about who should control
the French throne. It was a dynastic disagreement dating back to William
the Conqueror who became King of England in 1066, whilst remaining Duke
of Normandy. The war started as a result of King Edward III of
England's refusal to pay homage to King Philip IV of France, leading to a
retaliation by the latter who confiscated King Edward's lands in
Aquitaine, south west France.
King Edward III
The war rapidly became an economic conflict also, as the French monarchy squeezed more and more money from northern Europeans. War was an expensive business and the French began taxing many everyday items such as salt, bread and wine so that they could finance their battles.
William the Conqueror
Such famous people as Robin of Sherwood, King John, King Richard II, Joan of Arc, Bertrand du Guesclin and King Charles ( called The Victorious) all had important parts to play during this war.
The Hundred Years War ended because another internal war - the War of the Roses - broke out in England, leaving the kingdom in no position to wage war against the French.
It is to be mentioned that Calais remained in English possession until 1558 and the title of King of France was claimed by the British until January 1st, 1801.
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