Edward III

Edward III became King of England in January 1327 after the deposition of his father, Edward II. His father had been defeated by the Scots at Bannockburn and was deposed by his wife, Isabella of France, and her lover, Roger Mortimer. Edward was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 1 February 1327, at the age of fourteen. Initially, Mortimer held power as the de facto ruler, but Edward eventually seized control.

In 1330, Edward III, with the help of William Montagu, launched a surprise attack on Mortimer at Nottingham Castle. Mortimer was tried for treason and executed, allowing Edward to begin his personal reign. Edward supported Edward Balliol as king in Scotland, which led to military campaigns and the Battle of Haildon Hill. However, Balliol's control was weak, and by 1338, Edward had to recognize a truce with the Scots.

Edward III's claim to the French throne, following the death of Charles IV, led to the Hundred Years War. In 1340, he declared himself King of France, adding the fleur-de-lys to his coat of arms. The war included battles such as the victory at Crécy in 1346 and the siege of Calais. Edward's son, the Black Prince, was involved in these military actions.

The Black Death struck Europe in 1348, causing a truce in the ongoing conflicts. The plague affected the population, including the death of Edward's daughter, Joan. In response to labor issues, Edward introduced the Statute of Labour in 1351 to control wages. Hostilities resumed, and Edward's forces captured the French king, Jean II, at Poitiers in 1356.

Edward III's reign included the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, which required him to renounce his claim to the French throne but secured sovereignty over Gascony. Domestic issues arose with the Good Parliament of 1376, which attempted to remove his mistress, Alice Perrers. Edward distanced himself from court affairs, while his son, John Gaunt, gained influence.

Edward III died on 21 June 1377 at the age of 64 and was buried at Westminster Abbey. He was succeeded by his grandson, Richard II.