Edward III of England

Edward III of England
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Name	Edward III of England
Succession	King of England and Lord of Ireland
Reign	25 January 1327 – 21 June 1377
Coronation	1 February 1327
Predecessor	Charles IV (as King of France and King of England under Treaty of Paris); Edward II of England
Successor	Richard II of England
Spouse	Philippa of Hainault
Issue	Edward, Lionel, John, Edmund, Mary, Margaret, William, John, Henry, Thomas
House	House of Plantagenet
Father	Edward II of England
Mother	Isabella of France

Edward III of England. Edward III (28 November 1312 – 21 June 1377) was King of England from 1327 until his death in 1377, and Lord of Ireland from 1328. He was a member of the House of Plantagenet and is noted for his military successes, particularly the Hundred Years' War with France. Edward III claimed the French throne, leading to a series of conflicts that lasted for 116 years.

Early life and accession

Edward III was born on 28 November 1312 at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, to Edward II of England and Isabella of France. His mother, Isabella, played a significant role in his early life, particularly during the baronial opposition to his father. In 1325, Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer, invaded England and deposed Edward II. Edward III was proclaimed king at the age of 14 after his father was murdered in 1327.

Reign and military campaigns

Edward III's reign was marked by significant military campaigns, particularly the Hundred Years' War with France. In 1337, Edward III claimed the French throne, which had been inherited by Philip VI of France, citing his descent from Philip IV of France. The war lasted for 116 years, with several notable victories for the English, including the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Poitiers. The English also established Calais as an English enclave in France.

Edward III also established the Order of the Garter, a prestigious chivalric order, in 1348. The order was dedicated to St. George and was seen as a symbol of English chivalry and martial prowess.

Domestic policies and governance

Edward III implemented several domestic policies, including the Statute of Labourers in 1351, which aimed to regulate the labor market after the Black Death. He also established the House of Commons as a representative body, which played a significant role in English governance. Edward III's reign saw significant economic growth, particularly in the wool trade, which became a major source of revenue for the English crown.

Later years and succession

In his later years, Edward III suffered from illness and was largely absent from public life. His eldest son, Edward, the Black Prince, took on more responsibilities and became a military leader in his own right. Edward III died on 21 June 1377, at Sheen Palace, Surrey, and was succeeded by his grandson, Richard II of England.

Legacy and historical assessment

Edward III is remembered as one of the most successful English monarchs, particularly for his military campaigns in France. His reign saw significant cultural and economic developments, including the establishment of the Order of the Garter and the growth of the English Parliament. However, his later years were marked by illness and decline, and his legacy was also influenced by the Black Death, which had a devastating impact on England. Category:Kings of England Category:Lords of Ireland Category:House of Plantagenet Category:14th-century monarchs of England