Description

Edward was the eldest son of King Henry III and was born in 1239. At the time of Henry’s death in 1272 Prince Edward was in the Holy Lands participating in the 9th Crusade. In his absence the barons swore their fealty to Edward subject to his return to England.
Badly wounded on Crusade by the poisonous blade of an assassin’s attack on him, Edward was nursed back to health by his wife Eleanor of Castile who had accompanied him on the Crusade. On his return to England in 1274 Edward was crowned king at
Westminster with Eleanor at his side for the coronation.
The six foot tall Edward was nicknamed “Long shanks” because of his impressive size. Strong and athletic Edward was a fine horseman, a skilled warrior and a forceful leader of men in battle.
As a warrior king he fought to keep Wales and Scotland under the English Crown.
His campaigns in Scotland earned him the added name, “The Hammer of the Scots.”
Edward was dedicated to enhancement of the English legal system. His frequent use of the King’s Councils lead to him also being called the “father of parliament.”
Edward died in Cumberland in 1307, a king if not greatly loved, greatly regarded and respected.