Edward II

1307 - 1327

aka Edward of Caernarfon

Tall, fair, clever and handsome, at first Edward appeared to be an impressive if enigmatic king. He enjoyed the life of the court, pursuing passionate friendships and unusual past-times such as working outside on the land. England at this time was suffering the effects of a terrible harvest and the cost of Edward I’s battles with Wales. Even so Edward enjoyed some popularity at the beginning of his reign. He recalled Parliament and the people enjoyed market trading and annual fairs. However Edward struggled throughout his reign with the debts his father left and a tendency to let others run his affairs.

Unfortunately Edward was not popular at Court. His lavish lifestyle and obvious favouritism caused resentment. His best friend Piers Gaveston was granted the earldom of Cornwall, a gift usually reserved for royalty. Gaveston had long been considered an unsuitable companion for Edward. Edward II ordered him into exile but he returned from France on the old King’s death. Shortly after Edward’s marriage, Gaveston was exiled to France again, this time by disgruntled barons. He returned the following year, to the Court’s dismay, and in 1311, Parliament introduced a committee of Ordainers. The Ordainers introduced the Ordinances which sought to curb the King’s powers financially and administratively. To enforce the reforms, the King’s cousin, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, acted on the barons’ behalf. Gaveston was banished but Edward still refused to act on the reforms forced upon him. In revenge, the barons’ captured and executed Gaveston. Beaten at home for the moment, Edward turned his attention to Scotland.

Here, again, Edward suffered a humiliating defeat. Robert the Bruce and his men assured Scottish independence from England with the death of 200 knights and the capture of 500 noblemen. The battle of Bannockburn was fought between a Scottish army of around 6,000 soldiers against an English army of 10,000. This crushing defeat was as devastating as the Norman Conquest for the English. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster took the opportunity to seize power in all but name from the demoralised King. However he didn’t prove to be particularly proficient in the role.

Edward eventually fought back with his friends Hugh le Despenser and his son. The so-called Baron’s Revolt was sparked by Edward’s increasing fondness for Hugh le Despenser. As the King’s new favourite, Hugh was granted leave to extend his lands in Wales. This was too much for the barons. Civil war broke out leading to the Battle of Boroughbridge. Thomas led an army against Edward but was defeated. Along with Thomas, Edward executed two dozen noblemen, exiled dozens more and took back control. This time Edward ruled as a despot, repealing the Ordinances and letting the Despensers take control of the kingdom. They ruled ineptly, cruelly and corruptly.

A few years later, Edward sent his wife back to France as his ambassador. Once there, Isabella took sides against him and began a scandalous affair with one of his exiled barons, Roger Mortimer. It could be said that Edward had hardly earned her loyalty. In fact he even spent his wedding night celebrating with his friend Gaveston rather than his new bride. The two men’s behaviour at the wedding was so shocking to Edward’s new French relatives that they boycotted the celebrations.

From France, Queen Isabella, Roger Mortimer and the nobility revolted against Edward, raising an army and succesfully invading England. After executing the Despensers they forced Edward to abdicate in favour of his son. While imprisoned in Berkley Castle, Isabella hoped that Edward would die of one of the numerous fatal infections running rife. When he failed to catch one he was left to starve. Finally Isabella secretly ordered his execution. He was smothered by cushions. Rumours have spread since that he died from the insertion of a red hot poker into his bowels through his backside. This particularly cruel death probably reflects what was seen as his obsessive relationships with both Gaveston and Despenser.

Edward II Factfile