Edward II

Piers Gaveston

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:11:00 GMT

Possibly the most notorious royal favourite in English history, this Gascon was detested in his own lifetime for the influence he held over the pliant king.

The Search for the elusive 'Gaveston's Cross'

Anejre — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:19:10 GMT

This is an account of my recent visit to Warwickshire to find the monument which marks the site of the murder of Piers Gaveston.

I first tried searching for this elusive cross when I visited Warwick Castle in the late 80�s with my parents. I managed to find out it was in Leek Wooten and foolishly assumed it would be a monument on view. How very wrong I was. In all, I made 3 attempts to find the cross in the 1980�s on 3 visits to Warwick, and had given up. It didn�t help that anyone ...

The Last Capets

Alianore — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:22:45 GMT

This thread is for discussions or information about Queen Isabella's family, the Capets.

Reasons why Hugh Despenser the younger was crap

Alianore — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:06:06 GMT

As I've been accused by certain persons of bias and unfairness by starting a thread about the misdeeds of Roger Mortimer, to even things out, here's one containing some of the many, many reasons why Hugh Despenser The Younger Was Totally Crap:

- he was a tyrant.

- he was a despot.

- he was greedy to the outer extremes of greediness.

- he treated women badly.

- he ruled England when he had no right to do so.

- he did nothing of any importance while Roger Mortimer ...

Roger's Rapacity

Alianore — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:50:06 GMT

I thought it would be interesting to look at what modern historians have said about the regime of Roger Mortimer and Isabella, 1327-30...

Anthony Tuck, Crown and Nobility 1272-1461, p 95:

"In acquisitiveness and greed there was little to choose between the victors and the vanquished in the political struggles of the 1320s...the revolution of 1327 seemed to amount to little more than the replacement of one greedy and unscrupulous faction by another."

Michael Prestwich, The Three ...

Reasons why Roger Mortimer was brilliant

Alianore — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:12:24 GMT

Having been accused of bias and unfairness by starting a thread on Mortimer's misdeeds, I'll redress the balance by starting one on some of the many reasons why Roger Mortimer Was Totally Brilliant:

- he was incredibly loyal and reliable, till circumstances forced him not to be.

- he was intelligent and cultured.

- he was a courageous and excellent soldier.

- he was an extremely effective justiciar and lord lieutenant of Ireland.

- he was decisive.

- he was charismatic.

- ...

Reasons why Edward II was crap

Alianore — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:01:39 GMT

As I have been accused by certain persons of bias and unfairness by starting a thread on the misdeeds of Roger Mortimer, I've decided to even things out by starting one containing some of the many, many reasons why Edward The Second Was Totally Crap:

- he was a rotten general.

- he was lazy and incompetent.

- he had no judgement whatsoever.

- he behaved tyrannically from 1322.

- he thoroughly deserved to lose his throne.

- he allowed men to rule his country for him ...

Joined Today

graham field — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:16:35 GMT

Greetings to you all

I came accross this forum today for the first time, so having an interest in 14th Century have signed up. It is a great idea.

Regards

Graham

Haley's Comet

Mipp — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:26:29 GMT

Roger Mortimer married Jeanne de Geneville on September 30, 1301, the eve of the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle. The groom was 14, and the bride was 15. Ian Mortimer, in his biography The Greatest Traitor, notes that a comet appeared the night after the wedding, and was visible for a week. This would appear to be a cited appearance of Haley's Comet, which did indeed appear in 1301 on it's 75-year-cycle around the earth. That year Italian painter Giotto di Bondone included the comet in the place ...

Roger

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:09:23 GMT

Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore and first Earl of March, was born on 25 April 1287 and executed at Tyburn on 29 November 1330. His life story sounds like a novel, except that no novelist would dare make it up. Loyal to Edward II until the actions of Edward's favourite Hugh le Despenser pushed him into rebellion. Escaped from the supposedly impregnable Tower. Seduced a queen. Led the first successful invasion of England for 260 years. The de facto ruler of England from 1327 to 1330.

And ...

New & Happy

HappyMe — Sat, 24 May 2008 23:02:21 GMT

Hello, I'm very happy to be here.

I'm eager to learn more about the 14th centruy especially about Henry of Grosmont, who as you can see from my avatar is something of a long lost twin.

My knowledge of the whole period can certainly be improved since all I know of poor Edward II is, naturally, the more lurid stuff.

I'm sure I'm not alone in that but I'm hoping I'll be able to progress past the tabloid knowledge and develop more of a feeling for the period.

Thanks for letting me join.

-Happy

G'day everyone.

edwina — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:42:38 GMT

G'day everyone. I found you all when searching for DNB info on Donald of Mar, and up popped your essay on the best of friends.

I have an hons degree in history specialising in medieval studies (thesis entitled "The Chronicle of Jean de Venette and the Crisis of France 1356-60"). After that, I began reading up on Scottish medieval history and the de Brus family, which of course led me into English waters and a soft spot for Edward II.

I'm not writing any books or screenplays (wish ...

Ludlow Castle

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:40:57 GMT

Ludlow passed to Roger Mortimer through his marriage to Joan de Geneville.

Warwick Castle

Anejre — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:27:09 GMT

Berkeley Castle

Alianore — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:24:58 GMT

Edward II was imprisoned here between April and September 1327 - in the keep, on the right of the first photo.

Another New Member

inwardeye — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:06:53 GMT

Hello,

I must confess I came across this forum some time ago and intended signing up, but real life intervened so I've just got around to it.

The reason for the delay was that I was completing a screenplay about the life of Roger Mortimer, but now that it's finished and has been sent out into the world, I have some time to myself.

I was given a copy of Ian Mortimer's biography of Lord M, and intended using it for background detail for a novel I planned on writing.

But well, what can I ...

comparing the depositions of Edward II, Richard II etc.....

Anejre — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:52:09 GMT

Is it the fate of medieval monarchs to suffer deposition and then murder?

Edward II and the real world

Paul — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:49:23 GMT

I wonder how Edward saw his reign developing as events headed toward 1327? Was he going to grow old while Hugh dealt with the boring Kingly duties while he was off thatching, rowing, building walls, etc? Was he concerned about the ill feeling towards him with both noble and commoner due to Hugh's grasping ways, did he realise he was becoming more unpopular but not care or was he shut off in an ivory tower unaware of quite how bad things had become? I know when Isa invaded he attempted to raise ...

Edward II and Richard I

Gyrfalcon — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:43:19 GMT

I have a theory about the reason Edward II has gotten such a bad reputation, while other equally ineffectual kings have gotten by with an almost spotless reputation. Take Richard I. As far as I can make out, he was little more than an adventurous knight wearing the crown. He spent almost no time in England, paid little attention to actual government and politics, wrung England's economy severely to fund his crusade, and wasted a good deal of his time fighting petty barons and holding tournaments. ...

Edward I

meredydd — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:21:18 GMT

Hello everyone

I'm a playwright - so it's a begging letter - writing a piece called Longshanks. I'd be much obliged if anyone could point me in the direction of any material pertaining to the father son relationship. But in fact I'm interested in anything at the moment that's connected to Edward I and the more personal the better. I'm also interested in sharing any thoughts members may have about the language of the time.

Best

Meredydd

Adulterous Queens

Mipp — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:58:15 GMT

Queens committing adultery is a common motif in medieval literature, which is to be expected in a society so obsessed with legitimacy and feminine purity. What intrigues me, as a historian, is that accusations of adultery were very common, and yet very few medieval queens seem to have been guilty of adultery. Certainly few took the risks Isabella did by taking up with Mortimer.

From a purely practical standpoint, have an adulterous relationship was next to impossible for medieval queens. ...

Hugh and Hugh

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:18:58 GMT

Hugh the Younger (born circa 1287/89) and his father Hugh the Elder (born 1261) dominated the last few years of Edward II's reign. The actions of Hugh the younger, especially, brought down Edward II.

Hugh was and is notorious for his greed and his terrible treatment of rich widows, by seizing their lands. What do you think of the Despensers? Do they have any redeeming features at all?

Lady D signing In

Lady D — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 22:26:57 GMT

Finally got to the forum after all this time!!!

Some of you already know who I am. For everyone else, I have a blog 'Lady Despenser's Scribery' at http://despenser.blogspot.com.

I have a great interest in early 14th century history and in particular Hugh Despenser the younger who makes some people go

However, I just find him very, very interesting!!!

Non-fiction books on Edward II

Alianore — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:59:33 GMT

For anyone interested in learning more about Edward II, I'd recommend a book published in 2006, called The Reign of Edward II: New Perspectives. It's a collection of essays, and takes a far more sympathetic attitude to Edward than is often seen (though without skating over his faults).

For 'newcomers' to Edward, I'd recommend Caroline Bingham's Life and Times of Edward II - a nicely-illustrated introduction to Edward and his reign.

Welcome A New Member

bodmanj — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:35:39 GMT

Hi, my name is John, I live in London UK and I am happy to become the latest member of the group. For many years I have been trying to convince people that our beloved Edward II was not the sex crazed, shallow, egotistical, weak puppet of a ruler my history teacher of many years ago would have us believe. From the history books I have read it does seem to me that our Edward, the first Prince Of Wales (and guess where I was born? Ha!) has received a very bad press. I am hoping this forum will ...

Introducing myself.....

Anejre — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:04:37 GMT

Hello, found the incredible Edward II website and this forum whilst sick! I have had a keen interest in Edward II since my early teens. Re-reading 'The Follies of the King' from my sickbed this week, decided to search the net to see what information was on-line. So happy that I did! I confess I have neglected Edward for some years. My main area of interest has always been the Tudors since the age of 8. That led to an interest in the Yorkists and I 'worked my way back'.

I have a ...

Vir Novus

Gyrfalcon — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:24:21 GMT

Greetings, everyone, and pax vobiscum.

By way of introduction, I should say, as my avatar might suggest, that Edward III, not Edward II, is my favorite English medieval king. That said, however, I think this attempt to salvage Ed II�s reputation is a very necessary enterprise, and I�m willing to do what I can to help.

To introduce myself: I am a currently unpublished author who is beginning research on a historical novel set in England during 1325-1330. Although it�s not really about ...

World Without End

boswellbaxter — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 03:50:52 GMT

I've heard that this novel by Ken Follet has a plot strand involving Edward II's death. Has anyone read it?

Welcome!

Alianore — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:42:11 GMT

Hello, and welcome to my new Edward II forum! If you have any suggestions about the forum, please post them here, or introduce yourself!

If you come to this page instead of the index page, just click on 'Home' above to reach it.

Non-royal forms of address

MelissaM — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:41:07 GMT

I have a question about forms of address that might have been common in the early 14th century, so I'm hoping someone here at the Edward II forum might be able to help.

I'm working on a book set in Scotland in 1304 [I know, actually Edward I time frame], and I realized I have no form of address to use in dialogue when a servant addresses my female character. [I've avoided it up to this point, but I do think it's something I should know].

The character in question is an unmarried female ...

Isabella

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:16:27 GMT

Isabella was royal to her fingertips, the daughter of the king of France and the queen of Navarre. She was extravagant beyond belief, avaricious, and led a rebellion against her husband.

But did she consent to his death? Was she an appalling person, or are her actions understandable and justified? What are your views on Isabella?

William Melton's Letter

Alianore — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:56:13 GMT

I've been transcribing a letter sent by William Melton, Archbishop of York, to Simon Swanlond, mayor of London, probably in January 1330 (or maybe Jan 1329). It's rather fascinating...

Melton says that he has 'certain news' that his 'liege lord' Edward II is "alive and in good health of body and safe" (qil est en vie et en bone sancte de corps et enseur). He asks Swanlond not to show the letter to any man or woman of the world.

More to come when I transcribe it further! ...

Edward's weird hobbies

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:14:22 GMT

Edward II enjoyed thatching, digging ditches, building walls, swimming, rowing, and all manner of other outdoor hobbies considered incompatible with his royal dignity.

But seen from a 21st century perspective, this is quite endearing, isn't it? The king with the common touch, who liked talking to 'normal' non-aristocratic people. Totally unconventional by the standards of his time, nowadays he'd probably be seen as an excellent role model for a nation of couch potatoes!

Edward II and the Templars

MaryReedMcCall — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:22:45 GMT

As this post addresses aspects of Edward II's personality/character, I thought it might fit here best, even though it concerns the Templar Order as well.

Much of the information contained herein comes from a book called The Knights Templar in Britain by Evelyn Lord, however, I've gleaned it from other sources as well over the past few years.

Edward had only been on the throne for four months when the French Templars were arrested. He received first notification of the arrests from ...

The Templars

Alianore — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:21:17 GMT

After Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of the Knights Templar in 1307, Edward II did what he could to protect them. I see that Mary has added lots of great info on the Templars in the Isabella thread - if there's anything anyone would like to ask or contribute, put it here!

Famous Descendants of Edward II

Liam — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:34:03 GMT

Edward II had some very interesting descendants, not all of whom were known for having royal connections! Here are some examples:

General Thomas Gage (d. 1787), Commander of British Forces in North America at the outbreak of the war of independence, was Edward II's great x 14 grandson through Edward III, Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the Percys, the Cliffords and the Darcys.

Former US President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was Edward II's great x 13 grandson through Edward III, John of ...

Death

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:05:35 GMT

So, was Edward murdered by red-hot poker in September 1327? Or by some other method, such as smothering? Or...did he survive?!

Anyone hold an opinion they'd like to share?

Edward at Bannockburn

Paul — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:53:07 GMT

Was this the only battle Edward took part in? I know the battle was handled horribly but most of the small details I have read state that he fought bravely, I wondered what he actually did? How involved was he in the actual fighting or is the bravery mainly from his reluctance to leave the field when it looked like all was lost?

Andrew Harclay

Paul — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:29:12 GMT

Always somebody I felt incredibly sorry for, less than a year after winning the battle of Boroughbridge he was hanged, drawn and quartered. Being chopped to bits for negotiating with Robert Bruce does seem harsh even by the standards of the day, it's one of the few times I lose a bit of sympathy for Ed II.

Funnily enough after looking at the Edward II blog (which mention Andrew H) and Patent Rolls (as mentioned on the blog) I happened to see this entry for Feb 9, 1322:

Power to Andrew ...

Yeoman Defined

yeomanrycavalry — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:01:38 GMT

I have intensely researched the matter of what a Yeoman was during the 14th Cent. and have come to the conclusion that it was a military term. It indicated a position or rank within the royal or noble household. The true origin of the term is lost and best guess would indicate "a follower, or a young retainer". As late as 1400 AD we see the yeoman as a forester in the Canterbury Tales (Knight's Yeoman in the General Prologue, and as well in the Friar's Tale). The yeoman is also a follower ...

An Official Templar Document Released

MaryReedMcCall — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:21:27 GMT

At last the Vatican has released a "misplaced" document from the actual trials of the Templars in the early 1300's, showing that without a doubt, Pope Clement originally absolved the Order of heresy and intended to "reform" them for the more minor sins and abuses of which he'd found them guilty.

However, it seems that Philip IV, concerned as ever with his image as a Christian in the style of his grandfather, King Louis IX/aka St. Louis, continued to push to get his way ...

Slang

boswellbaxter — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:55:46 GMT

I dearly want a character in my novel (set in 1344) to tell another character to "sod off," but I suspect that insult comes from a far later time. Any good 14th-century equivalents that immediately spring to mind?

Cannons

elflady — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 10:50:42 GMT

It is said that a German monk called Berthold Schwarz invented the cannon in the 14th century (chronicles of Ghent). Cannons were made of iron bars welded together and strengthened with iron hoops, in the form of a barrel. They used gunpowder to fire stone or metal balls, and arrows or quarrels (smaller ones).

It seems Edward III used cannons in his Scotland campaign in 1327.

Edward III

Paul — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:56:14 GMT

Bearing in mind Edward II's awful relationship with his own father what sort of relationship do you think he had with his eldest son? I know it was the norm for the children to be brought up in other households but how often would they have come into contact? Would they have met up for official purposes or did they do other things together? I'm sure Isabella would've been peeved to think of Edward taking her son fishing with him!

Other personalities

Alianore — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:52:38 GMT

Anyone else you're interested in? Talk about them in this section!

Margaret Audley and Hugh Stafford

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:45:52 GMT

Margaret Audley, born sometime between 1318 and 1322, was the only child of Edward II's niece Margaret de Clare and her second husband Hugh Audley, court favourite of Edward II from about 1315 to 1320.

On the death of her elder half-sister Joan Gaveston in January 1325, Margaret became sole heir to her mother's third of the vast de Clare inheritance.

Ralph Stafford was born on 24 September 1301, so was about twenty years older than Margaret. He had two daughters by his first marriage. ...

The Berkeleys

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:03:17 GMT

I've been really fascinated lately by the Berkeley family of Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. The family has lived there since 1153 - and still does! I'll be posting more about them here, shortly.

Wigmore Castle

Alianore — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:44:08 GMT

Wigmore was the stronghold and power base of the Mortimers for most of the Middle Ages.