4 - The Estates-General and the renewal of civil war, May 1576–September 1577

Summary

The demonstrations made in the parlement of Paris and in various quartiers of the capital against the edict of pacification in May 1576 were symptomatic of popular feeling in most of France. In towns throughout the realm, local magistrates either ignored or refused to implement the edict, with the town of Péronne in Picardy being the most obvious example. There, the Catholic citizens refused to admit the prince of Condé as their governor, as promised in the secret articles. With nowhere else to turn, Condé was forced to remain with John Casimir and his reîtres until the king could work out a compromise or find him another gouvernement. Casimir himself was understandably reluctant to withdraw his troops from France without full compensation, and he demanded some of Henry's crown jewels and a few French bishops to serve as hostages until the balance that was owed him was paid. The jewels and the hostages were duly delivered to Casimir in June by Belliévre along with the first instalment of cash. Thus, despite the newly won freedom of worship, many French Protestants were annoyed that the edict was not being enforced in the months immediately following its registration in the parlement of Paris.

For the new duke of Anjou, the religious hostility that swelled after May 1576 remained a peripheral issue, as he gloated over his newly-won recognition and wealth. With the added titles of duke of Anjou, duke of Touraine, and duke of Berry, he set out to take possession of his new duchies at once.