Edward III of England

Edward III, also known as Edward of Windsor before his accession, was King of England from January 1327 until his death. He achieved military success and restored royal authority following the problematic reign of his father, Edward II. His reign, one of the longest in English history, witnessed significant developments in legislation and government, particularly the evolution of the English Parliament, and endured the Black Death. He succeeded to the throne after his father’s deposition, leading a coup against Roger Mortimer at seventeen and starting his personal reign.

Edward’s military campaigns included the Hundred Years’ War, where initial victories led to the Treaty of Brétigny, granting England territorial gains. His later years, however, were marked by international failure and domestic strife. Edward believed in the royal touch’s healing powers and showed unusual clemency. With a keen interest in warfare, he also engaged in a range of non-military pursuits. His legacy is complex, with varying historical interpretations of his rule.