Edward I

Edward I, also called Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. He was the oldest son of Henry III. He helped his father during important events, like fighting rebellious barons and going on the Ninth Crusade to the Holy Land.

As king, Edward worked to improve England's laws and government. He made changes to protect people's rights and property. Edward also wanted to bring other lands under English control. He conquered Wales and built castles there. He also got involved in a disagreement about who should rule Scotland and invaded, starting a long war.

Edward was known for being very tall and strong. He tried to make England stronger and more organized, but some people did not like how he treated Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Even with many challenges, Edward left a lasting mark on English history with his work on laws and government.

Early years, 1239–1263

Edward was born at the Palace of Westminster on the night of 17–18 June 1239, to King Henry III and Eleanor of Provence. His name, Edward, was chosen because his father admired Edward the Confessor, a saint. There were big celebrations when he was born, and he was baptised three days later at Westminster Abbey.

As a child, Edward sometimes got sick, but he grew up to be tall and strong and was called “Longshanks.” When he was fifteen, in 1254, he married Eleanor, the half-sister of King Alfonso X of Castile. This marriage helped keep Gascony safe and gave Edward land and money. Edward and Eleanor were made welcome when they arrived in Gascony.

Civil war and crusades, 1264–1273

Second Barons' War

Main article: Second Barons' War

From 1264 to 1267, there was a big fight called the Second Barons' War between some nobles and those who supported the king. Edward, who would later become king, started the fighting by taking a city called Gloucester from the rebels. He tried to make peace but broke his promises. Edward fought in many battles, including the Battle of Lewes in 1264, where he was captured. He later escaped and fought again, helping to defeat the Earl of Leicester at the Battle of Evesham in 1265. After these battles, Edward helped bring peace and took on more responsibilities in governing the country.

Crusade and accession

See also: Eighth Crusade and Ninth Crusade

In 1268, Edward promised to go on a religious journey called a crusade. He sailed to France in 1270 but the plans changed, and he ended up going to a place called Acre in the Holy Land. There, he tried to help protect the city but faced many difficulties. After an attack on him almost succeeded, Edward decided to leave and return to England. On his way back, he learned that his father, King Henry III, had passed away, making Edward the new king. He arrived back in England in 1274 and was crowned king later that year.

Early reign, 1274–1296

Conquest of Wales

See also: Conquest of Wales by Edward I and Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd

After some fighting, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd became leader of Wales but was not liked by many Welsh people. Llywelyn also fought with English forces. In 1272, he was defeated and had to leave part of Wales. Because of these problems, Llywelyn did not show respect to King Edward.

In 1276, Edward declared war on Llywelyn. Edward’s army invaded Wales. Llywelyn’s support was weak, and he had to give up. By the Treaty of Aberconwy in 1277, Llywelyn kept only Gwynedd but lost much of his power.

War started again in 1282. Llywelyn’s brother Dafydd began a rebellion, and many joined him. Llywelyn was killed in battle in 1282. The Welsh were defeated, and Dafydd was captured.

By the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284, Wales became part of England, with new laws. Edward built new towns such as Flint and Aberystwyth, and many strong castles like Beaumaris and Caernarfon, designed by James of Saint George. These castles showed Edward’s control over Wales. In 1284, Edward’s son was born at Caernarfon Castle. In 1301, this son became the first English prince to hold the title of Prince of Wales.

Diplomacy and war on the Continent

Further information: Franco-Mongol alliance and Europeans in Medieval China § Diplomatic missions to Europe

Edward wanted to go on a religious journey but never did. He tried to help stop wars between other European leaders. In 1282, a war began between France and Aragon over southern Italy. Edward helped make peace in 1286, but his plans failed when the last Christian town in the Holy Land was captured in 1291.

Edward also dealt with problems in Gascony. In 1286, he visited for three years. In 1293, fights between sailors led the French king to take control of Gascony’s main forts. Edward refused to come to France as demanded, so the French king claimed Gascony was taken away.

Edward kept in touch with leaders from Mongolia about a possible alliance. Envoys from Mongolia visited him in Gascony in 1287, and more came to Europe in 1289 and 1290.

Edward’s wife Eleanor of Castile died in 1290. Edward showed his sadness by building twelve crosses along the route of her funeral.

In 1294, a sea war began between English and Norman sailors. The French king used this to take Gascony, leading Edward to declare war. Edward formed alliances with leaders in Germany, Flanders, and Burgundy. Fighting happened, but a truce was agreed upon in 1297. In 1299, Edward agreed to marry the French king’s sister Margaret. This led to the return of some land, though Gascony was not fully given back until 1303.

Great Cause

See also: Competitors for the Crown of Scotland

In the 1280s, England and Scotland got along well. Problems began when Scotland’s king Alexander III died in 1286, leaving his young granddaughter Margaret as heir. She died during her journey to Scotland in 1290. This led to a big dispute over who should be the next Scottish king, called the Great Cause.

Fourteen people claimed to be the rightful heir, with the main competitors being John Balliol and Robert de Brus. Scottish leaders asked Edward to help decide, but not to make the final choice. John Balliol was chosen in 1292. However, Edward tried to control Scotland, demanding that Scottish leaders follow his rules. This led the Scots to ally with France and attack the English town of Carlisle. In response, Edward invaded Scotland in 1296, taking control and removing Balliol from power.

Government and law

Edward could be very angry at times, and this made some people afraid of him. But many still respected him as a strong king. He loved his family and often gave beautiful gifts to his daughters.

Edward worked to keep peace and make sure the laws were fair. He changed many leaders and looked into reports of unfair treatment. He created new laws to help solve arguments over land and protect the king’s rights. Edward was also interested in old stories about King Arthur and used these tales to help his rule.

Edward made many changes to money and laws. He made coins better and created new kinds of money. Because his wars were expensive, he needed more money, so he made new taxes on trade. He also changed Parliament so more people could agree to these new taxes.

When dealing with people who were not Christian, Edward made strict rules. This made many people leave England. His biggest goals were to get money for his wars and keep control of his lands. In places like Ireland, his rules were very hard, and many areas suffered because resources were used for his wars.

Later reign, 1297–1307

Edward I fought many wars in the 1290s, which cost a lot of money. This led to heavy taxes on his people. Taking goods like wool without payment also caused anger and resistance. The church was asked to pay taxes too, which added to the problems.

In 1297, some important people objected to Edward asking for soldiers and taxes without proper approval. As Edward prepared to fight in Flanders, his opponents tried to stop taxes being collected. However, a big battle in Scotland changed everything, uniting the king and his opponents against a common enemy.

Edward continued to face challenges, including keeping promises about land rules. Over time, changes in leadership helped reduce the opposition against him.

Edward believed he had fully controlled Scotland when he left in 1296, but leaders like William Wallace quickly began resisting English rule. In 1297, a smaller Scottish force led by Wallace defeated a larger English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Edward responded by defeating Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, but the Scots continued to resist.

The Scots asked the Pope for help, but Edward refused this. Through agreements and capturing key places, Edward regained control. In 1305, Wallace was captured. However, in 1306, Robert the Bruce became King of Scotland and began fighting again for independence. Edward responded, but this only increased support for Bruce.

In February 1307, Bruce resumed his efforts and defeated an English force in May. Edward, who had become unwell, decided to lead his army north himself. He fell ill along the way and died on July 7, 1307, near the Scottish border.

Edward’s body was brought back and buried in Westminster Abbey. His tomb, made of Purbeck marble, is simple and plain. A Latin inscription on the tomb calls him the “Hammer of the Scots.”

Legacy

See also: Cultural depictions of Edward I of England

Early stories about Edward told about his successes as a ruler. Over time, historians checked old records to learn more about his time as king. They sometimes compared his rule to issues happening in their own days.

In the 1800s, a well-known historian believed Edward helped form English laws and government. Others thought of him as a powerful leader who sometimes used the government to benefit himself.

More recent historians have studied Edward a great deal. Many feel his time as king was very significant for England. Some admire his work on fairness and the law. Others note that his later years were more difficult. Historians have different opinions on whether his rule was good or bad.

Historians from Scotland, Wales, and Ireland also have varied views. Some feel Edward was too strict in trying to govern these places. Others think his time marked a change that led to more struggles. Studies also consider how Edward treated different groups, but these topics are discussed carefully for younger readers.

Family

Edward I had many children with his two wives. With his first wife, Eleanor of Castile, he had at least fourteen children. Only one son, who later became King Edward II, lived to rule after him. Five of his daughters grew up.

With his second wife, Margaret of France, Edward had two sons who grew up and one daughter who died when she was young. There was an old story that a man named John Botetourt might have been Edward’s son, but this was never proven.