ABSTRACT
The last quarter of the thirteenth century and the opening years of the fourteenth are, perhaps, characterised by the degree of instability which existed in the relations between states. Alliances were made and unmade with rapidity and this undoubtedly had significant effects on the way in which naval warfare developed. Edward I, as king of England and duke of Aquitaine, in turn opposed and was in alliance with Philip IV of France. The Flemings, whose economic interests tended normally to ensure their friendship with England, became allies of the Scots during their bitter wars against England. The Welsh princes, even if not themselves able to use a fleet against the English, were well aware that Edward I needed access to supplies brought by sea to confirm his conquest of their lands. After the accession of Edward III of England and his intervention in the French succession dispute, the strategic situation becomes much clearer. For the remainder of the century, the dominant conflict was that between England and France, the first phase of the Hundred Years War, and other nations were involved as allies or enemies of the two major combatants. In this confusing situation, it seems best to look at the use made of sea power under three headings: the use of ships as auxiliary forces; transporting men, material and victuals, major encounters between the forces of rival powers, and raids on coastal towns and on commerce.
