Edmund, 2nd Earl of Cornwall

Edmund of Almain, born on 26 December 1249, became the second Earl of Cornwall from 1272 until his death in 1300. He attempted to join the Ninth Crusade in 1271 but was commanded to return to England before reaching the Holy Land. His roles included regent of the Kingdom of England from 1286 to 1289 and High Sheriff of Cornwall from 1289 to 1300. Edmund was born at Berkhamsted Castle as the son of Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, and Sanchia of Provence, making him the nephew of King Henry III and cousin to Edward I. His early life was marked by his father’s capture and his own imprisonment during the Battle of Lewes, and he later participated in royal duties and military campaigns under Edward I’s reign.

Edmund married Margaret de Clare in 1272 and was knighted by Henry III. As a wealthy noble, he loaned significant sums to the Crown and others, influencing financial and political matters of the era. His tenure as regent saw him suppress a rebellion in Wales and mediate disputes among the nobility. Edmund’s patronage extended to religious institutions, and he was involved in various legal and parliamentary precedents. His death in 1300 left no heirs, resulting in his estates passing to the crown, except for a dower for his widow.