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Biography
Biography
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Edward (II, King of England 1307-1327)

 Born1284  Born AtCaernarvon Castle
 DiedOctober 1327 Buried AtGloucester Cathedral
 FatherEdward (I, King of England 1272-1307)  MotherEleanor (of Castile)
Preceded byEdward (I, King of England 1272-1307)Succeeded by Edward (III, King of England 1327-1377)
 Royal House Plantagenet Titles include King of England from 1307 to 1327
Origins

dward was the youngest son of Edward I and Eleanor of Castile, but he was the only son to live longer than his father. He was born in 1284 at Caernarvon Castle only a year after the castle's construction was begun. Edward may have been a lonely child as his father was always away fighting the Welsh, Scottish or French and his mother died when he was only young. His elder brothers had died before he was born and his sisters were married while they were young so Edward was on his own. This may explain the importance with which he regarded his friends. Edward I died on 7th July 1307 on the way to Scotland to conquer Robert the Bruce. The old King's dying request was that his son should carry his bones with him in battle until Robert was defeated, but Edward II had other ideas.

No taste for royal duties

Edward left Robert Bruce alone in the north and returned to London and to his friends. It seems that Edward II had no time for his royal duties. He preferred to spend time with Piers Gaveston who was a handsome Knight and Edward's companion since childhood. Gaveston was showered gifts and when Edward left for France in early 1308 to marry Isabella, the daughter of Philippe IV of France, Gaveston was left as Regent in charge of affairs in England.

Piers Gaveston

Gaveston had arranged the celebrations for Edward and his new Queen on their return to England, but there were problems with the arrangements and Edward spent more time with Gaveston than Isabella at the festivities. This troubled the new Queen and her attendants. It also troubled Parliament who decided that Gaveston was not fit for the elevated position that Edward had given to him, and told Edward to dismiss his favourite knight. In June of 1308, Gaveston was given the role of Lieutenant of Ireland and he left England, but he had returned by the middle of 1309. A group of 21 lords were elected in agreement with Edward to oversee the management of Edward's affairs. They were known as the 'Lords Ordainers' and their most powerful member was Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. In August 1311, the Ordainers received permission from parliament to dismiss Gaveston and take control of Edwards affairs completely. Gaveston left the country in November, but was back at Edward's side by Christmas. The Lords declared war on their king in early 1312 and Edward with Gaveston moved to York to prepare for civil war. The barons found Gaveston at Scarborough Castle in May and although he was promised safe passage if he surrendered, Gaveston was taken to Warwick Castle and then executed on June 19 by the Earls of Lancaster, Warwick, Arundel and Hereford.

Scotland

Since the death of his father, Edward had neglected the problem with the Scots. He had ventured briefly into Scotland in 1310, but gained nothing. Robert the Bruce had used the time to strengthen his position and in 1312 reclaimed most of the land in Scotland taken by the English. In June 1313 Bruce besieged Stirling Castle, the only castle left in English hands. The English governor of the castle Philippe de Mowbray came to an agreement with the Scots that if English forces had not reached the castle by midsummer 1314, Mowbray would surrender the castle to them. Bruce even let Mowbray leave the castle to inform the English king of the agreement. Edward had little choice but to prepared for war and called for an army to meet him at Berwick in June of 1314. Edward had collected a large army, double the size of the Scots'. The two armies met on June 24, Midsummer Day at the Bannock Burn where the Scots had prepared traps for the English troops. The English were defeated but Edward managed to escape to Berwick and then back to London.

Terrible years

The years 1315, 1316, 1317 and half of 1318 were extremely bad for Edward and England. Edward lost control of the country to the Ordainers led by the Earl of Lancaster and very heavy rain across Europe destroyed crops for several years in a row. Robert the Bruce was unopposed in the north and captured Berwick and invaded Ireland. On Edward's side was Hugh Despenser (the younger). The two sides were reconciled by the Treaty of Leake in August of 1318 arranged by the 'Middle Party' led by the Earl of Pembroke. A unified King and Ordainers combined their forces and marched north to regain Berwick from the Scots. While they besieged the town in June/July of 1319, a group of Scots invaded Yorkshire and defeated an army under the control of the Archbishop of York. Edward had to abandon the siege and return to deal with the Scots in Yorkshire (truce agreed?).

Hugh Despenser the Younger

Hugh Despenser the Younger and his father became Edward's new favourites at court and like Gaveston before them were richly rewarded by Edward. Hugh was given the title of Lord of Glamorgan and began to upset the Marcher Lords by obtaining their land in South Wales. The most powerful Marcher Loer was Roger Mortimer who sided with Lancaster against the king. In August 1321 the Marcher Lords with the help of Lancaster ensured that the Despensers were banished. The banishment did not last long and by January 1322, the Despensers were back. 1322 was the turning point for Edward when he first captured Roger Mortimer, sending him to the Tower of London and then the Earl of Lancaster was defeated at the Battle Boroughbridge. Lancaster was beheaded on March 22, 1322. Edward finally had his revenge for the murder of Gaveston ten years earlier.

Isabella, the 'she-wolf of France'

Following the death of Lancaster and the imprisonment of Roger Mortimer, Edward's new problem was his wife. Isabella may not have been very close to her husband especially when he had shown more interest in Gaveston and the Despensers. She started to openly oppose her husband and the Despensers and may have been visiting Mortimer in the Tower. Mortimer managed to escape from the Tower at the end of 1323 and he took a ship to France. In 1324, The French king Charles IV invaded Gascony and Isabella, as the French king's sister, asked to go to France to negotiate a peace. When Isabella reached France in 1325 it emerged that she had another agenda. She met up with Roger Mortimer and together they began to plot how to overthrow Edward and the Despensers. Isabella also managed to capture her own son, Edward (III) who had travelled to France to pay homage to the French king. The French king was not happy with his sister's actions and she had to go to Hainault where she managed to recruit an army. Isabella arranged the marriage of Edward (III) to Philippa, the daughter of the Count of Hainault. Isabella and Mortimer landed in England in September of 1326. Edward II had little support in England and had to retreat to Wales. Edward and the Despensers were captured at the end of 1326, the Despensers being executed for treason. The Barons confirmed that Edward (III) should become the keeper of the realm and in January 1326, Edward II abdicated in favour of his son. Aware that Edward II still could pose a threat to them, Isabella and Mortimer had the old king murdered at Berkeley Castle.

 

Family Tree Details

Father:Edward (I, King of England 1272-1307) (b.1239 - d.1307)
Mother:Eleanor (of Castile) (b.1241 - d.1290)
Edward (II, King of England 1307-1327) (b.1284 - d.1327)
+Isabella (of France, Wife of Edward II) (b.1295 - d.1358) =Edward (III, King of England 1327-1377) (b.1312 - d.1377) | +Philippa (of Hainault) (b.1314 - d.1369) | =Edward (The Black Prince) (b.1330 - d.1376) | | +Joan (of Kent) (b.1328 - d.1385) | | =Edward (of Angouleme) (b.1365 - d.1372) | | =Richard (II, King of England 1377-1399) (b.1367 - d.1400) | =Isabella (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1382) | =Joan (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1348) | =William (Son of Edward III) | =Lionel (of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence) (b.1338 - d.1368) | | +Elizabeth (de Burgh) ( - d.1363) | | | =Philippa (daughter of Lionel Duke of Clarence) | | +Visconti, Violante | =John (of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster) ( - d.1399) | | +Blanche (of Lancaster) ( - d.1369) | | | =Henry (IV, King of England 1399-1413) (b.1367 - d.1413) | | | =Philippa, (daughter of John of Gaunt) | | | =Elizabeth (daughter of John of Gaunt) | | +Constance (of Castile) ( - d.1394) | | | =Katherine (of Lancaster) (b.1372 - d.1418) | | +Swynford, Catherine | | =Beaufort, John (1st Earl of Somerset) ( - d.1410) | | =Beaufort, Henry (Cardinal-Bishop of Winchester) (b.1376 - d.1447) | | =Beaufort, Thomas (Duke of Exeter) ( - d.1426) | | =Beaufort, Joan (daughter of John of Gaunt) (b.1379 - d.1440) | =Edmund (of Langley, Duke of York) ( - d.1402) | | +Isabella (of Castile) | | =Edward (Duke of York) ( - d.1415) | | =Richard (Earl of Cambridge) ( - d.1415) | =Mary (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1362) | =Margaret (Daughter of Edward III) ( - d.1361) | =Thomas (of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester) ( - d.1397) =John (Earl of Cornwall) ( - d.1336) =Joan (of the Tower) (b.1321 - d.1362) | +David (II, King of the Scots 1329-1371) (b.1324 - d.1371) =Eleanor (Daughter of Edward II) +Reginald (Duke of Guelderland)

Timeline

1284
Apr 25
Edward (II) is born

Edward, the future king of England was born at Caernarvon Castle on the 25th April, 1284. His father was Edward I and his mother was Eleanor of Castile. The castle was probably still under construction as work on it had only begun the year before.

1294    (Age: 10yrs)
...
Outrage at Philippe's actions

Edward I concluded a marriage agreement between his son Edward (II) and Philippa, the daughter of Guy, Count of Flanders. Aware of possible dangers of this alliance, Philippe, king of France invited Guy and his wife to Paris where he kidnapped and imprisoned them. Because of the general outrage at this action, Philippe was forced to free Guy and his wife, but to prevent the marriage, Philippa was brought to Paris where she was held as a hostage. She was twelve years old at the time.

1297    (Age: 13yrs)
Jan
Marriage proposal

In response to the fear that the King of France would try to take back some of the lands Edward held in France, Edward I arranged a marriage between his son Edward and Philippa, the daughter of the Count of Flanders, an enemy of the King of France.

Apr 14
Edward appeals for support

Outside Westminster Hall, Edward I made an appeal for support for the war in France. He apologised for high tax demands he had previously levied. He also asked the Barons to swear allegiance to Edward of Caernarvon, the future Edward II, King of England. He received the support he needed.

1300    (Age: 16yrs)
May
Edward starts another Scottish campaign

After staying briefly at the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds, Edward I travelled north to Carlisle. His son, Edward (II) of Caernarvon remained at the Abbey for a week longer, living as a monk, before following his father. The king ensured his standard had been blessed by every holy relic that the Abbey possessed.

Jul
Caerlaverock Castle siege

After a short siege lasting only 5 days Caerlaverock Castle fell, the Scots giving King Edward I little resistance. Prince Edward of Caernarvon took control of the rearguard of the English army and apart from a small skirmish, saw no action.

1301    (Age: 17yrs)
Feb
Edward (II) invested as Prince of Wales

Prince Edward was invested by his father King Edward I as 'Prince of Wales' and was granted royal lands in Wales.

1303    (Age: 19yrs)
...
Treaty of Paris

After his defeat at Courtrai Philippe IV called on Edward I for a peace treaty. Part to this involved Edward regained some French land and Philippe's daughter, Isabella, marrying Edward's son, the future Edward II, king of England.

1307    (Age: 23yrs)
Jul 8
Edward II becomes king

Edward the eldest son of Edward I became King of England.

1308    (Age: 24yrs)
Jan 25
Edward II marries Isabella of France

Edward II married Isabella of France, the daughter of King Philippe IV of France. The marriage took place at Boulogne and Edward left Gaveston as Regent in his absence. Edward alienated the Lords by placing Gaveston in such a powerful position.

Feb 25
Edward's Coronation

Edward II was crowned at Westminster Abbey. During the ceremony Gaveston was given the honour of carrying the crown. During the banquet that followed the King spent much more time with Gaveston than his wife. The Queen's uncles, who had travelled with her from France, left to report back to the King of France of the King's favouritism for Gaveston over Isabella. As part of the coronation ceremony Edward swore an oath that he should abide by the laws and customs that the community and realm determined.

Apr
Parliament angry with the King

The barons appeared at Parliament in April demanding the banishment of Gaveston.

May 9
Thomas Earl of Lancaster

King Edward granted his cousin Thomas Earl of Lancaster and his heirs the title of Stewardship of England. Many barons were opposing the King beacuse of his closness to Gaveston and Edward needed some support. This may have been a way of getting Lancaster on his side.

Jun 25
Gaveston banished

Parliament was unhappy with Gaveston's actions as Regent while Edward was away. Gaveston's closeness to Edward was also distressing for Edward's new wife as well. Parliament concluded that Edward should remove Gaveston and the knight was given the role of Lieutenant of Ireland in order to remove him from England. Gaveston was threatened with excommunication is he did not leave or if he was to return. Edward accompanied Gaveston to Bristol from where he set sail for Ireland.

1309    (Age: 25yrs)
Jul
Parliament agrees to Gaveston's return

In the parliament held in April earlier in the year several demands of reform were put to the King. But Edward said that he would only agree to them if Gaveston were to return from exile. In the April parliament this was rejected, but in a parliament held at Stamford in July agreement was given. Edward had managed to have the threat of excommunication overturned and he managed to get support from some of the barons. The barons hoped that the King and Gaveston had learnt from their mistakes in running the country.

Oct
Great Council at York

King Edward summonsed a council to meet at York, but several barons refused to attend due to Gaveston's attandance. Since he had returned from exile Gaveston had returned to his old ways trying to alienate the barons from the King.

1310    (Age: 26yrs)
Mar
Appointment of the Lords Ordainers

The weight of resentment towards Gaveston by the barons led to the creation of a group of twenty-one of their number known as the Lords Ordainers. They were elected to reform the way King Edward II ruled the country, They issued six ordinances almost immediately but the main changes were not put forward until 1311.

Sep
Edward campaigns in Scotland

Supported by Earls of Gloucester, Warwick and Cornwall, Edward took an army into Scotland. Edward directed the assaults from Berwick. The campaign was fruitless even though Gaveston managed to reach as far north as Perth.

1311    (Age: 27yrs)
Qtr 1
The rise of Thomas Earl of Lancaster

While Edward II was in Scotland, his Regent, the Earl of Lincoln died. and was replaced by his son-in-law Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. Lancaster became the Earl of Lincoln and Salisbury, but already held the titles of Earl of Leicester and Derby. Holding so many titles, made Lancaster the most powerful Baron of the time. His hatred of Gaveston was to become a major problem for the king.

Qtr 1
Lancaster pays homage

Lancaster had to pay homage to the king for the new lands he had received with his new earldoms. Edward was in Scotland but Lancaster refused to leave England and Edward met Lancaster at Haggerston Castle on the border. Gaveston was with the king but Lancaster refused to meet him.

Jul
Edward returns to England

Edward II left Scotland and returned to England to attend a session of Parliament. Gaveston was left behind at Bamburgh Castle where he was relatively safe from the Lords Ordainers.

Aug
Ordinances

The king was summonsed to a parliament at Westminster in August. The Ordinances were a series of government acts made at the parliament by the Lords Ordinaners to obtain control over King Edward II. This involved increasing their control over Edward's finances and renewing the banishment of Piers Gaveston. King Edward returned slowly from the north arriving several days after the parliament had begun using a pligrimage to Canterbury as an excuse. The King had to agree to the demands.

Nov 3
Gaveston leaves the country

Gaveston left the country a few days later than he should have done, but even then he didn't go far. By Christmas he had returned to Edward's side and made public appearances with the King. Edward also gave Gaveston his title of Earl of Cornwall back to him.

Christmas
Edward and Gaveston at Windsor

Gaveston appeared openly at Windsor where the King celebrated Christmas.

1312    (Age: 28yrs)
Qtr 1
Edward looks to Scotland for help

Gaveston's return to England forced the Archbishop of Canterbury to honour his threat of excommunication and the Earls to prepare for civil war against the king. Edward and Gaveston travelled to Scotland to seek help from Robert the Bruce but were not welcome.

May 4
Edward and Gaveston flee

Edward and Gaveston were at Newcastle when they were alerted to the news that the Earl of Lancaster was heading for them. They escaped down river toTynemouth where the King and Gaveston took a boat to Scarborough leaving behind them everything and everybody including Isabella, Edward's wife. Gaveston took refuge at Scarborough Castle and Edward went to York.

Jun 19
Gaveston executed

The Earl of Pembroke with his captive Gaveston, stopped at Deddington for the night. Pembroke left Gaveston to attend to other matters. The Earl of Warwick took advantage of Pembroke's absence and took Gaveston from his bed. They went to Warwick Castle and Gaveston was thrown in the dungeon. The four Earls, Lancaster, Warwick, Arundel and Hereford took the decision that Gaveston should be punished and took him to Blacklow Hill where he was executed. As Gaveston was under excommunication, the body was not buried straight away.

1313    (Age: 29yrs)
Jun
Stirling Castle Siege

Stirling castle was still under the control of English forces but was under siege from the Scots led by Edward Bruce. Bruce and the English commander, Sir Philippe de Mowbray, came to an agreement that if English forces had not reached the castle by midsummer 1314, Mowbray would surrender the castle to the Scots. Bruce even let Mowbray leave the castle to inform the English king of the agreement.

Dec 23
Edward prepares for invasion

King Edward II called upon the earls to provide men and arms and to meet at Berwick on the 10th of June 1314 to attack the Scots.

1314    (Age: 30yrs)
Jun 17
Edward leaves Berwick

Edward II and his army left Berwick to march to Stirling Castle which they had to reach before midsummer's day if the castle were to be saved from falling back into the hands of the Scots.

Jun 24
Battle of Bannockburn

Forces led by Edward II were defeated by Robert I at Bannockburn. Edward was trying to reach Stirling Castle to relieve the English forces there. This was an important battle for the Scots to win and helped them to make some gains of land in northern England even if the success was short-lived.

Sep
Edward loses power to Lancaster

After the defeat at Bannockburn, the death of Gloucester and his army scattered, Edward had to hand power over to the Earl of Lancaster and the Lords Ordainers. Lancaster had kept back his own personal army in readiness for Edward's return and Edward had no option. Lancaster then replaced the Edward's supporters in key seats of power with his own Lancastrian supporters.

Dec
Gaveston buried

Edward had delayed having the body of Gaveston buried until he had taken revenge for the murder, but because the King was powerless to act against the Ordainers, he decided to hold a lavish ceremony to bury his dead friend.

1315    (Age: 31yrs)
Aug
Birth of John of Eltham

While staying at Eltham Palace, Queen Isabella gave birth to a son called John and known as John of Eltham.

1318    (Age: 34yrs)
Aug
Hugh Despenser is made Chamberlain

Edward II made Hugh Despenser his new Chamberlain.

Aug 9
Treaty of Leake

The Earl of Pembroke and his 'Middle Party' held discussions with the Earl of Lancaster during which it was agreed that a council should be formed that would advise the King, and that the King should not be able to act without the council's advice. Lancaster was also assured that he and his followers would be pardoned for any illegal acts that they may have performed during the time of their power. Lancaster agreed to the Treaty and met Edward to reconcile their differences.

1319    (Age: 35yrs)
Jun
Edward marches to free Berwick

The last Scottish town to be held in English hands had been captured by Robert the Bruce. The loss of Berwick brought Edward and Lancaster together. Their common goal was to recapture the town and together with the Earl of Pembroke and Surrey they marched north.

Sep 20
Battle of Myton

While the best of the English army were at Berwick, a Scottish army led by Sir James Douglas invaded Yorkshire. With an untrained army the Archbishop of York, William Melton, tried to fight off the Scots but was defeated at Myton-in-Swalesdale. With the Scots threatening their lands in the north the earls, with Edward at Berwick, abandoned the siege and returned to their homes. Queen Isabella who was in York at the time managed to escape to safety at Nottingham.

1321    (Age: 37yrs)
Jul
Parliament at Westminster

Lancaster put a large amount of pressure on Edward to remove the Despensers from power. The Marcher Lords brought a force to London and threats were made that Edward would be removed from the throne if he did not comply.

Oct
Siege of Leeds Castle

Edward was forced to lay siege to Leeds Castle after an incident involving his wife Queen Isabella. The Queen had wanted to stay at the castle while travelling to Canterbury but was refused entry by the owners wife. The owner of the castle, who was not there at the time, was Lord Badlesmere, a supporter of Lancaster. When Isabella's men tried to gain access to the castle, some of them were killed. On hearing of the problem, Edward took an army to the castle and after a week broke the siege. Several of the Marcher Lords began to march into England in support of Lord Badlesmere. They only got as far as Kingston-upon-Thames when the siege ended. Edward then had every excuse to engage the Marcher Lords in their act of rebellion.

1322    (Age: 38yrs)
Qtr 1
Edward attacks the Marcher Lords

Edward advanced up the Severn Valley and crossed the river at Shrewsbury. Several of the Marcher Lords surrendered to the King without a fight. Lancaster had moved to his base at Pontefract. The King took time to take control the castles belonging to the Marcher Lords.

Mar 16
Battle of Boroughbridge

Lancaster left his base at Pontract and headed north. At the bridge crossing the river Ure at Boroughbridge he was halted by an army led by Andrew Harcley, the Earl of Carlisle. Harcley held the bridge against Lancaster's attacks and Lancaster was forced to surrender. Lancaster was taken back to Pontefract Castle where Edward had taken control.

Mar 22
Lancaster Executed

Edward finally had his revenge for the death of Gaveston when Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster, was executed outside the walls of Pontefract Castle.

May
Parliament at York

Edward was now back in control of the country and at the Parliament held at York the rebels who had fought against him were punished, many being executed for treason. The Ordinances against Edward were repealed and those who had supported Edward through the bad times were rewarded. The elder Hugh Despenser was made Earl of Winchester. The younger Despenser was given large amounts of land forfeited by the rebels.

Aug
Edward advances into Scotland

In response to Robert the Bruce's attacks in the north of England, Edward called for an army and took them into Scotland. The Scots were prepared for the English and had burnt land and supplies in front of Edward's army making it difficult for the English to survive.

Oct
Edward almost captured

After returning from Scotland, Edward and Queen Isabella rested at Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. The Scots were still nearby and met the English army led by the Earl of Richmond near Old Byland. The Scots defeated the English army and Edward had to flee to escape capture. Isabella too escaped.

1323    (Age: 39yrs)
Mar
Peace negotiations

Edward and Robert the Bruce began negotiations for a peaceful settlement of their differences. There were difficulties because Robert claimed the title of King of Scotland but Edward initially refused this because he had inherited the title from his father Edward I. The execution of the Earl of Carlisle had led to the start of negotiations. Carlisle had approached Robert with the intention of preparing the ground for peace talks but had not informed the king of his intentions. His actions were discovered and the king assumed his actions were treasonable. Carlisle was executed as a traitor.

1325    (Age: 41yrs)
Mar
Isabella leaves for France

Isabella of France, the wife of King Edward II, travelled to France to see King Charles IV, her brother. Her mission was to bring to an end the disputes over land between France and England. The French King agreed to the English reclaiming the lands of Gascony and Ponthieu as long as Edward came to Paris and paid homage. In Paris Isabella met Roger Mortimer who had recently escaped from the Tower of London. She fell in love with him.

Sep
Prince Edward in France

In England, King Edward II was persuaded not to go to France by the Despensers. The Despensers were worried that because their position of power in England was precarious, if Edward left the country they could easily lose that power. Instead, it was decided that the King's son Prince Edward, only thirteen years old should go to France and pay homage instead. Before the prince left for France, the King bestowed the title of Count of Ponthieu on his son and the French King gave consent for him to to have Aquitaine as well. On the 12th of September Prince Edward left England and sailed to France.

Sep 21
Prince Edward is captured

Prince Edward met Charles IV and paid him homage. The French king gave the Prince the title of Duke of Aquitaine and informed the English King that the French were going to retain the Agenais, an area of southwest France. Prince Edward had effectively been captured and his mother, Isabella the English Queen, had begun the plans of removing her husband from the throne of England.

1326    (Age: 42yrs)
...
Oriel College Oxford founded

Edward II founded Oriel College, Oxford.

Sep 24
Isabella and Mortimer land to take the throne

Isabella, the wife of Edward II and her supporters including Mortimer landed at Orwell in Suffolk. Their aim was to remove Edward II from his throne and place Prince Edward there as the new king. Isabella had no problem in raising an army from those opposed to the King and they advanced on London. Although Edward was in the Tower of London the rest of London was against him and he decided to leave the city and head west with his supporters including the Despensers and the Earl of Winchester.

Oct
Prince Edward is declared Keeper of the Realm

Isabella of France the wife of King Edward II entered Bristol and was welcomed by the citizens there. The Earl of Winchester who had taken to the castle decided the best action was surrender. He was executed on the 27th of October as a traitor.

Nov
Edward captured

The King was captured in Wales at the Abbey of Neath. He had hoped to get some support in Wales but that was not to be the case. The Despensers were also captured. Hugh Despenser was given a short trial and executed as a traitor. Edward was taken to Kenilworth castle and imprisoned.

1327    (Age: 43yrs)
Jan 13
Abdication of Edward II

King Edward II was forced to abdicate when Parliament agreed that his son should become king of England.

Sep
Edward II murdered at Berkeley Castle

Edward was buried at the abbey church at Gloucester.

1328
Feb 1
Charles IV of France Dies

After the death of Charles IV the next rightful claimant to the French throne was not clear-cut as there was no male heir. Isabella, the sister of Charles, had married Edward II and their son Edward III had just taken on the rule of England. Isabella put in a claim for her son although in French law it was not possible to inherit the throne through the female line.

Selection of references used:

  • 1. Caroline Bingham, The Life and Times of Edward II
  • 2. McKisack, The Fourteenth Century 1307-1399
  • 3. A.R.Myers, England in the late middle Ages
  • 4. John Harvey, The Black Prince and his age, ISBN:0-7134-3148-2

    See Also

      People

      • Edward (I, King of England 1272-1307)
      • Edward (III, King of England 1327-1377)
      • John (Earl of Cornwall)
      • Joan (of the Tower)
      • Eleanor (Daughter of Edward II)
      • Isabella (of France, Wife of Edward II)
      • David (II, King of the Scots 1329-1371)
      • Reginald (Duke of Guelderland)
      • Mary (Daughter of Edward III)
      • Margaret (Daughter of Edward III)
      • Thomas (of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester)
      • Gaveston, Piers
      • Thomas (Earl of Lancaster)
      • Mortimer, Roger (of Wigmore)
      • Despenser, Hugh (the younger)
      • Charles (IV, the Fair, King of France 1322-1328)
      • A .. Z List of Medieval People

      Places

      • Berkeley Castle
      • Stirling Castle
      • Scarborough Castle
      • York Castle (Clifford's Tower)
      • Berwick Castle
      • Skenfrith Castle
      • A .. Z List of Medieval Buildings

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      Event Map

      TimeRef UK Castles Mobile App for Android Phone

      This Android app allows you to find castles thar are near you. Currently the app includes only English and Welsh castles.

      Download the app from the Google Play Store

      3D/VR

      Virtual Buildings

      Transport yourself back up to a thousand years and explore historical buildings as they may have appeared in the past.

      A Medieval Mystery

      There appear to be some strange connections between the fourteenth century Old Wardour Castle and ancient stone circle Stonehenge.

      1: Location

      Old Wardour Castle appears to be aligned to ancient sites in the Stonehenge landscape.

      2: Alignment

      Stonehenge is aligned to the Summer Solstice. Old Wardour has a very similar alignment.

      3: Size

      Could the builders of Old Wardour used mesaurements from Stonehenge to layout the geometrical keep?

      Learn More

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