British Royals Despite the occasional military (or political) setback, Edward III enjoyed a great deal of popularity for much of his reign EDWARD III England, 1312-1377 Much like his ancestor Henry II, Edward was famed for his military successes and the restoration of royal authority His 50-year reign saw impressive highs – including the country transforming into one of the most formidable military powers in Europe – and crushing lows, such as the grip of the merciless Black Death Brief Bio 1327-1377 Edward III Headstrong and ferocious, both as a domestic ruler and a military leader, the warrior king of House Plantagenet moulded England into one of Europe’s first true superpowers K ing Edward III was one of the most proactive and – more importantly – successful rulers England and its surrounding realms have ever known His half-century of rule saw plague, wars, political intrigue and judicial upheaval that collectively transformed our small island into a military powerhouse It was quite the dramatic period of English history and Edward’s road to kingship was just as theatrical Born at Windsor Castle on 13 November 1312, Edward was the only child of King Edward II and his wife, Isabella of France His father had spent a 46 great deal of his reign battling a political rivalry with his own gentry and the birth of a strong male heir helped fortify his position, at least for a time In 1325, Edward II was required to pay homage to the French king, Charles IV Uneasy at leaving the country during an ongoing and costly war with Scotland, the king sent his 13-year-old son and his wife Isabella on behalf of the crown However, Isabella conspired with the exiled Roger Mortimer (a former earl who had led the unsuccessful Despenser War against Edward four years earlier) to usurp the king and set up Prince Edward in his place vk.com/englishlibrary vk.com/bastau