After his capture at Poitiers in 1356, King John II of France is taken to England and held in honor in London from 1357 to 1360. His captivity is marked by lavish hospitality and social events, including meetings with the English royal court. It ends with the Treaty of Brétigny, which cedes large territories to England and imposes a heavy ransom, further weakening the French monarchy.

King John's captivity inspires French poets like Guillaume de Machaut to compose verses lamenting the king's fate and calling for national unity. The event is also noted in English court poetry, where it is used to celebrate English martial prowess. The ransom and political turmoil feed into the allegorical and didactic poetry of the period, including the works of John Gower, who reflects on the fickleness of fortune and the responsibilities of kingship.