In 1272, on his way home from the Ninth Crusade, Prince Edward Plantagenet learned of his father, Henry III of England’s death and his succession to the throne.  In August in the Year of our Lord 1274 he was crowned Edward I of England.  His reign was to last until 1307—thirty four plus years.

Edward—first born of Henry III and Eleanor of Provence—was safely delivered in June 1239 at the Palace of Westminster.  In 1254 his father arranged a marriage between Edward, now fifteen, and nine year old Eleanor of Castile.  Edward traveled to Spain and the marriage was performed in the monastery of  Las Huelgas in Castile.  Eleanor gave birth to sixteen children but only nine survived and all were girls save one, Edward II, who became king upon the death of his father.  Eleanor died in 1290 at age 45 and it is said that Edward was heartbroken.  Edward remarried in 1299, this time to Margaret of France who out lived him.  They had three children.

At 6 feet 2 inches Edward was taller than most people in his realm—if not the tallest—and because of his height he was known as Longshanks. Considered a handsome man he had black hair that became snow-white in his later years.  Processed with the violent temper of the Plantagenets, he was known to be both physically and verbally cruel.  All that being said, his reputation for chivalry and fearlessness in battle was unquestioned. 

The last independent Welsh prince, Llywelyn Yr Ail, was summoned to pay homage to Edward for the lands he held in Wales.  Llywelyn refused.  Furious, Edward invaded Wales in 1277 and again in 1282 and by 1284 Wales was conquered and became part of England.  In 1301, Edward’s heir (Edward II) was created the first Prince of Wales. 

Over much of  the Welsh Marches Edward was relentless in his construction of castles. Some stood from his father’s time on the throne but he erected many himself—primarily in northern Wales.  These castles did not come without a price and left Edward’s coffers all but depleted.  A price England was made to pay.

 

Edward didn't play favorites. Not only did he wage war on Wales he was also making life unbearable for Scotland.   Known as the Hammer of the Scots, in 1296 Edward once again invaded Scotland and this time he confiscated the Stone of Destiny—the Scottish coronation stone—and brought it back to England where it stayed at Westminster until being returned to Scotland in 1996.

Edward I’s remains now rest in Westminster Abbey—hopefully a more peaceful rest than during his lifetime. 

 

 

Edward I

 

Edward I of England

 

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