Editing Adolf, King of the Romans (section)

=== Alliance with England ===

In 1294, when Adolf’s rule was at its height, he concluded an alliance with the King [[Edward I of England]] against [[France]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Barraclough |first=G. |date=January 1940 |title=I. Edward I and Adolf of Nassau. A Chapter of Mediaeval Diplomatic History |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/cambridge-historical-journal/article/abs/i-edward-i-and-adolf-of-nassau-a-chapter-of-mediaeval-diplomatic-history/39D5E80B56E914F6947C48F91EB45476 |journal=Cambridge Historical Journal |volume=6 |issue=3 |pages=225–262 |doi=10.1017/S147469130000370X |doi-broken-date=20 November 2024 |issn=2051-9818}}</ref> and was awarded 60 000 pounds sterling, which corresponded to 90 000 gold marks. The pact had been preceded by attempts by [[Philip IV of France]] to conquer the [[Duchy of Burgundy]] and the [[County of Flanders]]. The Count of Flanders, [[Guy of Dampierre]], mediated, therefore, the alliance between Edward I and Adolf for his protection against France. That the alliance was construed by his contemporaries as purely mercenary, and the fact that Adolf did not comply with its obligations, damaged his reputation, but this was initially without consequences.

Adolf began recruiting troops in the empire for a war against France. On  31 August 1294, he sent a declaration of war to the French king, alleging that the latter had seized rights and possessions of the empire. King Philip responded contemptuously on  9 March 1295.{{sfn|Herde|2000|p=517}} [[Pope Boniface VIII]], however, ordered peace in 1295 and threatened to commence the [[excommunication]] of Adolf in the event of an outbreak of war.