Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent

Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent, born on 5 August 1301, was the sixth son of King Edward I of England and the second son by his second wife, Margaret of France. He was a younger half-brother of King Edward II. Despite King Edward I’s intentions to grant him substantial lands, his brother, Edward II, did not fulfill these wishes due to his favoritism towards Piers Gaveston. Nevertheless, Edmund was provided with an income and important estates, and in 1321, he was created Earl of Kent. He served as a diplomat and military commander, helping to suppress a rebellion in 1321-22.

Discontent with King Edward II’s rule, particularly due to the influence of the Despensers, led Edmund to join a rebellion led by Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer in 1326, which resulted in the deposition of his brother. However, Edmund’s relationship with the new regime deteriorated, and in 1330, he was executed for planning another rebellion. After Edward III took control, he annulled the charges against Edmund posthumously, and his title and estates passed to his son. Despite his exoneration, Edmund’s reputation was marred by his political instability.