Edward the Second at Gloucester Cathedral

Born 25th April 1284 4th son of Edward the first was to be crowned King in 1307 but his rule was to be far from that of his father's. Edward married Isabella of France and although they had four children his real love was in fact a Knight, Piers Gaveston- Edward gave Piers all the best jewels that were wedding presents greatly insulting Isabella. Nobles far from happy with Edward's behaviour and rule captured and executed Piers and forced Edward to sign Ordinances to rule England better. Edward led one of England's most resounding defeats at The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 against the Scots and further annoyed the nobles of England by finding a new "favourite" in Hugh Despencer, capturing and executing Henry of Lancaster thus re-instating the Despencers. Meanwhile Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer, Earl of March plotted against Edward from France and in 1326 invaded England and were quickly supported by the dissatisfied Nobles. Edward was defeated and captured and imprisoned firstly at Kennilworth Castle and then Berkley Castle in truly appalling conditions. Edward came to and end in 1327 and for many years it was popular belief that he was murdered ( on the orders of Mortimer and Isabella ? ) by a red hot poker put where it hurts most. Nowadays this is thought to be fantasy but there is no clear record of how he came to die. His son Edward the Third came to the throne but as he was still not of age England was ruled by Mortimer and Isabella until such time as Edward the Third was of age. One of the first things he did was have Mortimer taken and hung , Isabella was then banished to spend the rest of her life at Castle Rising Castle- and that place is indeed another story !!!

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