Borrowing and taxation funded the rival crowns

Edward III borrowed from bankers and merchants in Italy, Holland, and England and pawned both his English crown and the crown intended for his French coronation. The comic account portrays his failure to repay as disastrous for his creditors. Philip VI faced resistance to taxation and raised money through a salt duty, debased coinage, and a loan from the Pope. These funds supported different recruiting approaches: Philip's aristocratic cavalry and Edward's requests for suitable men and skilled longbowmen. English local officials also used recruitment to send thieves and murderers out of their communities.