Duke of Gascony, 1st Earl of Chester, King Edward I of England Edward

Notes:

[Source: Who's Who in the Middle Ages, John Fines, Barnes & Noble Books, New York, 1995]

Edward I was born at Westminster in 1239, and was named for his father Henry III's favourite saint, Edward the Confessor. He was heir to wide domains and many troubles, and had an early taste of both. In 1252 he was given charge of the troublesome but lucrative Gascon territories. Two years later he was married to Eleanor of Castile---a political marriage, but one that was to turn into a love-match.

There was little time to enjoy it at first, for Edward was now pitched into the discords of the English baronial revolt. His father was neither a good leader of men, nor a good soldier, so the burden was thrust upon his young son. The barons' leader, Simon de Montfort, was Edward's uncle, and there is no doubt that the prince was both attracted to his uncle's ideas of government, and also deeply influenced by his military tactics. But after the defeat at Lewes, and a humiliating imprisonment, his admiration turned to hostility, which was only sated with the rout of Evesham in 1265.

In the next few years he acted as a moderating influence on his father's vindictive wrath, and saw to it that the settlement with the baronial opposition should not in itself provoke a further uprising.

In 1270 he was at last able to go off on crusade, when he brought relief to Acre. His military reputation now soared, and in 1272 he suffered an attack from an assassin, in which he was grazed by a poisoned dagger in the scuffle. He recovered, and was able to negotiate a ten-year truce before returning home, covered with honour.

On landing in Sicily he heard of his father's death, but he did not hurry to get back to England, spending a whole year settling his affairs in Gascony first. It was 1274 before England saw him. Once properly seated on the throne, however, he gave every evidence of his vigour and determination to rule. Within two months of the coronation, commissioners were scouring the land completing a survey as large and efficient as any that had been understaken since Domesday. The commissioners enquired into encroachments upon royal rights, and into injustices committed by the king's servants; their detailed reports are know to historians as the Hundred Rolls, based as they were on the administrative unit of the hundred.

The evidence of the Hundred Rolls was to be the basis of Edward's legislative reforms. A long series of statutes, enacted at the enlarged parliaments introduced by Simon de Montfort, aimed at the improvement of justice at the local as well as the national level, and also tried to rationalise the bewildering array of jurisdictions, known as liberties, the feudal government had seen grow up. Edward had a genuine concern to see justice done, which gained for him the deep admiration of his subjects. He was also very well informed about the localities, for he was constantly on the move, covering distances of about 2,000 miles a year, with a court of perhaps a thousand horses lumbering behind him on the muddy and dangerous medieval roads.

Much larger groups travelled with him when he went to war, and Wales was the first to see his unwelcome visitation. Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, had rather foolishly refused to do homage for his lands at Edward's coronation, and in 1277 the King attacked and reduced his dominions by half. Five years later the Prince's brother David rose in rebellion, and Llewellyn was forced to join him, only to be killed in a petty foray. With no great leader left to them, the Welsh submitted to annexation, and saw gigantic castles rise in key-points such as Conway, Caernarvon and Harlech, castles that would prevent future revolt. Edward was an arrant colonist, and typically brought back from Wales the great cross of Neath to carry in procession to Westminster for the service of thanksgiving. The Abbey was to see many more proud trophies plundered for its decoration and distinction.

Edward was eager to be off to Palestine once more, but the European situation prevented a new crusade: France and Aragon struggled over the body of Sicily, and the Pope was hopelessly committed as a partisan. Edward now spent long months attempting to bring peace to Europe so that the Christian nations could unite in crusade.

His design for Europe was interrupted by troubles at home. In his prolonged absence corruption throve, and in 1289 the King was forced to conduct an enquiry which resulted, among other things, in the banishment of his chief justice. The same year he had to go north to convene the court that was to judge between the various 'competitors' for the throne of Scotland. The legalism fascinated him, but in the middle of this interesting judicial wrangle, his wife died. He was heartbroken, and as he accompanied the body from Lincolnshire to London, he ordered elaborate crosses to be set up wherever the cortège rested. The last was Charing Cross. A most beautiful monument was set up in Westminster Abbey, and those who view it can see something of Edward's loss.

Back in Scotland he finally adjudged John Balliol's claim for the crown to be the best, but forced him to accept vassal status as a quid pro quo. Years of trouble lay ahead: the French made war, the Welsh rebelled, and the Pope made life extrememly difficult for the hard-pressed English king. He continued to demand Edward's presence on crusade---which he would have dearly loved, but found impossible; his only contribution was the expulsion of Jews in 1290. Furthermore the Pope had suddenly issued a Bull declaring that the state had no right to tax the clergy, and Edward was desperately short of money for war on three fronts.

These diffficulties explain but do not excuse the viciousness of his actions in the next few years. Scotland had refused to accept him as overlord, and he annexed the land, deposed Balliol, and removed the Stone of Scone to Westminster Abbey in 1296. When Wallace rose as a leader in Scotland, Edward increased the fury of his attack; the rebels received no mercy.

Gradually the King seemed to be achieving his aims. France was satisfied by his marriage to the sister of the French king, and by 1304 Scotland seemed well under his heel, controlled by a policy of ruthless savagery. Edward could at last turn his attention back to English affairs, where disorder was rampant. New justices were sent round on the 'Trailbaston' commission to seek out the unsavoury Robin Hoods of the land, and gradually order returned.

Inagine then the fury of the aged king when, in 1306, Robert Bruce, who had been his man for the past four years, suddenly went north and was crowned King of Scots. Old, tired, and sick, Edward moved up country to deal with this fresh menace to peace, but was taken very ill on the way. He had to direct the campaign from his bed, and vitriolic letters showered on his commanders accusing them of inaction and failure.

In a last tremendous effort the King got up and gave his litter to Carlisle Cathedral---a typical gesture, again---and set off on horseback. The progress was desperately slow---some two miles a day---but even that was too fast for the sick king, who quickly succumbed and died in July 1307.

Son and father of weak and inefffectual kings, Edward I had many fine qualities which seem to make nonsence of heredity. He was tall and strong, a fine horseman and a doughty warrior. A great leader of men, he was also able to lead to success. He was interested in government and law in a very genuine way. As a personality he was pious, but easily provoked to rage and often vindictive. He was fond of games---so passionately did he love his hawks that when they were ill he sent money to shrines to pray for their recovery. He was generous to the poor, and often a gay companion: he played chess, and loved music and acrobats; once he bet his laundress Matilda that she couldn't ride his charger, and she won! Every Easter Monday he paid ransom to his maids if they found him in bed. He loved his two wives, and fussed over their health and that of his children with a pathetic concern---sometimes threatening the doctor with what would happen to him if his patient did not recover. His people feared, respected and remembered him.

Edward married Queen Consort Eleanor of England, Comtesse de Montreuil, Comtesse de Ponthieu Eleanor de Castilla on 18 Oct 1254 in Las Huelgas, Burgos, Castille and León, Spain . Eleanor was born in Abt. 1244 in Castille and León, Spain; died on 29 Nov 1290 in Heredeby, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom; was buried on 16 Dec 1290 in Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Eleanor of England was born on 17 Jun 1264 in Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; died on 12 Oct 1298 in Gent, Flanders, Belgium; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
2. Joan of England was born in Jun 1265 in Paris, Île-de-France, France; died on 07 Sep 1265 in France; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
3. John of England was born on 10 Jul 1266 in Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; died on 01 Aug 1272 in Westminster Palace, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
4. Alice of England was born in Abt. 1267 in Woodstock Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom; died in 1279.
5. Henry of England was born on 13 Jul 1267 in Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; died on 14 Oct 1274 in Merton, Surrey, England, United Kingdom; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
6. Juliana of England was born in 1271 in Acre, Akko, Hazafon, Israel; died in 1271 in Acre, Akko, Hazafon, Israel; was buried in Church of the Friars Preachers, Bordeaux, Dauphine, France.
7. Joan of Acre was born on Abt. Apr 1272 in Acre, Akko, Hazafon, Israel; died on 23 Apr 1307 in Clare, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom; was buried on 26 Apr 1307 in Augustine Friars, Clare, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom.
8. 1st Earl of Chester Alfonso of England was born on 24 Nov 1273 in Bayonne, Basses-Pyrenees, France; died on 19 Aug 1284 in Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
9. Margaret of England was born on 11 Sep 1275 in Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; died in 1318 in Brussels, Belgium; was buried in Collegiate Church Of St Gudule, Brussels, Belgium.
10. Berengaria of England was born in 1276 in Kennington Palace, Surrey, England, United Kingdom; died in Abt. 1279; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
11. Mary of England was born on 11 Mar 1278 in Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; died in Bef. 22 Jul 1332 in Amesbury Abbey, Amesbury, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom; was buried in Amesbury Abbey, Amesbury, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom.
12. Alice of England was born on 12 Mar 1279 in Woodstock Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom; died in Abt. 1291.
13. Isabella of England was born on 12 Mar 1279 in Woodstock Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom; died in 1279; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
14. Lady Elizabeth Plantagenet was born on 07 Aug 1282 in Rhuddlan Castle, Flint, Wales, United Kingdom; died on 05 May 1316 in Quendon, Essex, England, United Kingdom; was buried on 23 May 1316 in Walden Abbey, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom.
15. Comte de Ponthieu et Montreuil, 1st Earl of Chester, Prince of Wales, Duc d'Aquitaine, King Edward II of England Edward, II was born on 25 Apr 1284 in Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon, Caernarvonshire, Wales, United Kingdom; died on 21 Sep 1327 in Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom; was buried on 20 Dec 1327 in Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom.
16. Beatrice of England was born about 1286 in Aquitaine, France; died about 1286.
17. Blanche of England was born in 1290 in Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; died in 1290.

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Governor of St. Briavel's Castle, Admiral for the Northern Seas, 1st Lord Botetourt, Governor of Framlingham Castle John de Botetourt was born in Abt. 1265; died on 25 Nov 1324.

Edward married Marguerite de France on 08 Sep 1299 in Canterbury, Kent, England, United Kingdom. Marguerite was born in 1279 in Paris, Île-de-France, France; died on 14 Feb 1317 in Marlborough Cast, Marlborough, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom; was buried in Grey Friars, Newgate, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Earl of Norfolk, 1st Earl Marshall of England Thomas of Brotherton Plantagenet was born on 1 Jun 1300 in Brotherton, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom; died on Abt. Aug 1338; was buried in Abbey, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom.
2. 1st Earl of Kent, 1st Earl of Arundel Edmund of Woodstock was born on 05 Aug 1301 in Woodstock Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom; died on 19 Mar 1330 in Winchester Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom; was buried in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.
3. Eleonor of England was born on 04 May 1306 in Winchester, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom; died in 1311 in Amesbury Abbey, Amesbury, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom.

Henry married Queen Consort Eleanor of England Eleanor De Berenger de Provence on 14 Jun 1235/36 in Canterbury, Kent, England, United Kingdom. Eleanor was born in 1222 in Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France; died on 24 Jun 1291 in Amesbury Abbey, Amesbury, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom; was buried in Amesbury Abbey, Amesbury, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was forced by his united Barons to sign the Magna Charta at Runnymede on June 1215. He was the last ruler of Normandy. It was incorporated into France in 1204. He built: Dorchester, Eyein Suffolk, Ipswich, Lancaster, Liverpool, Stratford upon Avonin 1196.

Signed Magna Carta in 1215 at Runnymede.
His reign saw renewal of war with Phillip II Augustus of Franceto whom he has
lost several continental possesions including Normandy by 1205.He came into
conflict with his Barons and was forced to Sign the Magna Carta.His later
repudiation of the charter led to the first barons war 1215-17during which
John died. Burke says he was born in 1160.
King of Ireland 1177, Count of Mortain 1189, Earl of Gloucester.

John married Queen Consort of England, Comtesse d'Angoulême Isabella d'Angoulême on 24 Aug 1200 in Bordeaux Cathedral, Bordeaux, Dauphine, France. Isabella (daughter of Aymer De Taillefer and Alice Courtenany) was born in Abt. 1188 in Angoulême, Angoumois, France; died on 31 May 1246 in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, Maine-et-Loire, France. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was the first of the Angevin Kings.

Reigned for 35 years. He ruled an empire that stretched from theTweed to the
Pyrenees. In spite of frequent hostitilties with the French King his own
family and rebellious Barons (culminating in the great revolt of 1173-74) and
his quarrel with Thomas Becket, Henry maintained control over his possessions
until shortly before his death. His judicial and administrative reforms which
increased Royal control and influence at the expense of the Barons were of
great constitutional importance. Introduced trial by Jury. Dukeof Normandy.

He built: Chester, London, Westminster Abbey, Sutton at Home,Walsingham and Worcester.

Henry married Queen Eleanore d'Aquitaine, of Aquitaine on 18 May 1152 in Bordeaux Cathedral, Gironde, Bordeaux, France. Eleanore (daughter of Duke Guillaume d'Poitou d'Aquitaine, VIII and Duchess Eleanor d' Chastellerault d'Aquitaine) was born about 1122 in Chateau de Belin, Guinne, France; died on 1 Apr 1204 in Mirabell Castle, Fontevrauld Abbey, Maine-et-Loire, France; was buried in Fontevrault Abbey, Anjou, Normandy, France. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her first husband, King Louis VII divorced Eleanor because she bore him no male children. Eleanor was a patron of the arts andmany of the best of all troubadours came to her court inPoitiers to sing of the queen's beauty and grace.
Shortly there after, she married King Henry II (a pre-arrangedmarriage). He was afraid of her even though he admired her, so he imprisoned her for many years until his death.
Eleanor was Queen of two countries and mother to two kings. Eventhough women in the Middle Ages had little if any power, Eleanor had a lot of political power

Aymer married Alice Courtenany in 1180 in Angouleme, Charente, France. Alice (daughter of of France Pierre and Elizabeth De Courtenay) was born in Abt. 1176 in Courtenay, Loiret, France; died in 1218 in France. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]