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23
Later Middle Ages
Edward I (1272-1307) was determined to strengthen his royal authority and his Kingdom. To do that he
asserted his rule in all territories on the British Isles, especially in Wales and Scotland. He succeeded in
imposing English rule on Wales: his son, who was born in a Welsh castle and "could spell not a word of
English” at that time, later, in 1301 was created the Prince of Wales and ruler of the principality. Since that time
the eldest son of the English monarch has been given that title.
Relationships between England and Scotland were similar to those between England and Wales, but the Scots
had a greater degree of independence. Edward I had made several military raids to the Northern kingdom,
seized the national treasure – the Stone of Destiny from the Scone Abbey (1296) but had failed to subdue the
Scots. Edward I who had been called "the Hammer of Scots" died not far from the border of Scotland during
his last abortive campaign to defeat the Scots.
The rule of his son, Edward II (1307-1327) is traditionally characterized as a great failure of the hereditary
principles of Monarchy: Edward II had no talent to be a King, but he was the eldest son and succeeded his
father. He angered the barons by his foolishness, his extravagance, favourites and military defeats. His reign
was a troubled one and he was deposed and forced to abdicate by the barons, assisted by his wife. He died,
probably murdered, and was succeeded by his son, Edward III (1327-1377).
Edward III is recognized by historians as a passionate fighter, who was fond of tournaments, chivalry and
battles. He instituted the Order of the Garter and cultivated the spirit of chivalry at his court. He pursued a
sensible policy of tolerance with barons, thus securing their loyalty. His commercial policies facilitated the
development of wool trade and rise of prosperity. But the warrior king was eager to lead his knights in battles,
so Scotland was his first rather hard prey as he had failed to subjugate it, though having taken its King David
prisoner to England. The dynastic accident helped Edward III to start the Hundred Years' War (1338-1453)
which was carried during the reigns of five English Kings.