Le Goulet, peace of, 1200. On Richard I's death in 1199 a struggle over the succession broke out between King John and his nephew Arthur of Brittany. Philip II ‘Augustus’ of France lent Arthur support and invaded Normandy and Maine, but he was obliged to consider peace. John also needed breathing space to establish himself securely. The two met at Le Goulet (southern Normandy) and sealed a treaty (22 May 1200). Philip recognized John as Richard's successor, receiving his homage, and abandoned Arthur. But John had to pay a heavy price, consenting to pay the enormous sum of 20, 000 marks as relief (succession duty) to Philip as his overlord.
