Politics - Monarchs - Edward III 1327-1377

Edward III

Years of reign

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House: Plantagenet

Born: November 13, 1312

Died: June 21, 1377

Crowned: February 1, 1327

Buried: Westminister Abbey

King Edward III was the King of England from 1327 until his death in 1377. He is best known for his military successes during the Hundred Years' War, particularly the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Poitiers. He also founded the Order of the Garter, a chivalric order still in existence today. King Edward III was also known for his strong claim to the throne of France, and he ruled England during a time of significant cultural and economic growth.

Timeline

  • 1312 - Born in Windsor Castle, England
  • 1327 - Becomes King of England at the age of 14 following the death of his father, King Edward II
  • 1330 - Marries Philippa of Hainault
  • 1337-1453 - Leads England in the Hundred Years' War against France
  • 1346 - Wins the Battle of Crécy
  • 1356 - Wins the Battle of Poitiers
  • 1360 - Treaty of Bretigny is signed, which ceded much of Aquitaine to England
  • 1362 - Forms the Order of the Garter
  • 1377 - Dies on June 21st at the age of 65, and is succeeded by his grandson, Richard II

King Edward III's reign was marked by a number of significant events and issues. Some of the most notable include:

Placeholder image The Hundred Years' War: King Edward III claimed the French throne through his mother Isabella of France, and he led England in the Hundred Years' War against France, which lasted from 1337 to 1453. He won several notable victories, including the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Poitiers.

The Black Death: The Black Death, a devastating plague, swept through Europe during Edward III's reign, killing millions of people and causing widespread economic and social disruption.

The Peasants' Revolt: In 1381, a massive revolt broke out among the lower classes in England, known as the Peasants' Revolt. The rebellion was sparked by a number of factors, including the high taxes imposed to support the war with France, and the poor economic conditions caused by the Black Death.

The Order of the Garter: King Edward III founded the Order of the Garter, one of the most prestigious chivalric orders in Europe. The order was established to promote chivalry and to serve as a focus for national pride and unity.

The economic growth: King Edward III's reign saw significant economic growth and prosperity, particularly in the wool trade. This economic growth led to the development of new towns and the growth of existing ones, and also resulted in the rise of a new class of wealthy merchants and tradesmen.

King's claim to the French Throne: King Edward III's claim to the French Throne, which was based on his mother's ancestry, was a major source of tension between England and France throughout his reign and contributed to the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War.

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

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