Edward II of England
Edward II succeeded to the English throne at the age of 23, when his father, the warrior king Edward I, died in battle.1 Unpopular with the nobles, he was deposed in 1327 and probably murdered shortly afterward.1
Fast Facts
- Born: April 5, 1284
- First Prince of Wales2
- House: Plantagenet
- Reigned: July 7, 1307 - January 20, 1327
- Married: January 25, 1308 3
- Crowned: February 25, 1308 4
- Death usually given as September 21, 1327 5
Reign
Edward II's reign was marked by military setbacks and acrimonious relations with the aristocracy and his own wife. It is considered by many to be among the least successful monarchy in English history.6
Achievements
The royal tradition of establishing colleges at Oxford and Cambridge began with Edward II, who founded Oriel College and King's College.7
Trivia
- Had a lion as a pet8
- Camped out sometimes in a hut near Westminster Palace9
- Sailed a barge along the Thames9
Wife and Son
Edward's wife Isabella, working from France with her lover Roger Mortimer, helped to depose him.10 Edward III became king, and, because he was only 14, Mortimer served as regent. One of Edward IIII's first acts upon coming of age was to execute Mortimer and banish his mother from court.11
Quotes
"I greatly lament that I have utterly failed my people; but I could not be other than I am."-- Attributed to Edward II after his deposition, 1327.12
Related Mahalo Pages
England | Edward I of England | Edward III of England | Isabella of France | Scotland | | Plantagenet | Wales
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