Philippe IV 1268 - 1314.

He re-united Champagne, Navarre and the region of Lyon to the crown and fought the Flemish at Courtrais in 1302 loosing a battle at Mons - en - Pévèle.

Philippe IV had troubles with Pope Boniface VIII because he would not accept the Bishop of Pamiers. He received admonitions from the Pope a Papal Bulle. After some violence in Rome and complete lack of respect for the Pope, he broke with Boniface VIII and had Clement V elected and installed in 1305 as the French Pope.

Pressed for money, he devalued the Franc and raised taxes. He also coveted the wealth of the Knights Templars and began the suppression of the order. He had the grand master, Jacques de Molay, burnt alive in 1314 and ordered the sequestration of lands, property and money, driving the Templars out of France. Many settled in Scotland. Legend has it that as he was dying in the fire, Jacques de Molay cursed Philippe and all his descendants. Soon after, the King did, indeed, die.