Monastic Wales.








Display person:

Edward II , king of England
(Edward of Caernarfon)

Born: 25 April 1284   Died: 21 September 1327   Active: 1307-1327   

Edward inherited a difficult situation, particularly the great debt and problems with the war with Scotland, as well as the mistrust of the nobility. But his own handling of events contributed to the failure of his reign and his ultimate deposition.

Edward was the son of Edward I and Eleanor of Castile, and he was married to Isabella of France. His personal affairs and policies bred hostility amongst his barons and also his wife. He was forced to accept a baronial council, and he faced civil war and the threat of invasion by Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer. His reign saw the reunification of Scotland under Robert the Bruce, following the Scots' victory at Bannockburn in 1314. Edward was ultimately captured, deposed and succeeded by his son, with the queen as regent. It was alleged that Edward had died in prison but he may well have been murdered.

Sites associated with this person

Margam Abbey, Neath Port Talbot (fugitive)

Neath Abbey, Neath Port Talbot (fugitive)

Bibliographical sources

Printed sources

Dolley, R. H. M., 'A Find of Pence of Edward I and II at Neath Abbey', British Numismatic Journal, 28 (1955/57), pp. 294-298

Ormrod, W. M., 'Edward II at Neath Abbey, 1326', Neath Antiquarian Society Transactions, 2 (1988-9), pp. 107-112

Web links (open in new window)

Manuscript depiction of Edward I creating his son Prince of Wales, 1301 (View website)

Phillips, J. R. S., Oxford Dictionary of National Biography online - Edward II (View website) (Subscription reqd.)

Archival sources

British Library , 'Edward I creating his son Prince of Wales', (Document), (View website)


 
Graphic.