Politics - Monarchs - Edward II 1307-1327 CE

Edward II

Years of reign

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House: Plantagenet

Born:April 25, 1284 AD Caernafon Castle

Died: January 20/21 1327

Crowned: February 25, 1308

Buried: Gloucester Cathedral

King Edward II of England was the son of King Edward I and ruled from 1307 until he was deposed in 1327. He was known for his conflicts with the nobility and his controversial relationships with his favorites, Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser. He was eventually deposed by his own son, Edward III, and is believed to have been murdered while in captivity.

Timeline

  • 1307: Edward becomes King of England, succeeding his father Edward I.
  • 1308: Edward recalls his friend Piers Gaveston from banishment, leading to conflict with the barons.
  • 1311: Gaveston is captured and executed by the barons.
  • 1321: Edward marries Isabella of France.
  • 1322: The Despenser War begins, as the barons rebel against the king and his favorite, Hugh Despenser.
  • 1326: Edward's son, Edward III, leads a rebellion against his father and has him deposed.
  • September 21, 1327: Edward II is believed to have been murdered in captivity in Berkeley Castle.

During his reign, King Edward II faced several significant events and issues. These include:

Placeholder image Conflicts with the nobility: Edward had a difficult relationship with the nobility, particularly the barons. They were unhappy with his rule and the influence of his favorites, Piers Gaveston and later Hugh Despenser. This led to a series of rebellions against the king, known as the Edwardian War.

Deposition of Piers Gaveston: Gaveston was a close friend and advisor to the king, but the barons saw him as a corrupting influence. They eventually forced Edward to banish Gaveston, but he later recalled him, which led to further conflict.

The Despenser War: After Gaveston's death, Hugh Despenser became the king's favorite. The barons again saw him as corrupt and oppressive, and they rebelled against the king in what is known as the Despenser War.

Deposition and death: In 1326, Edward's own son, Edward III, led a successful rebellion against his father and had him deposed. He was imprisoned in Berkeley Castle, where he is believed to have been murdered on September 21, 1327.

Financial problems: King Edward II also faced financial problems, he spent a lot of money on his own pleasure, and also on his favorites, which led to the financial crisis of the kingdom.

Military failures: King Edward II also had a string of military failures during his reign, the most significant being the Battle of Bannockburn where the English army was defeated by the Scottish army. This led to the Scottish gaining independence from England.

Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024

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