Edward III

Edward III


House / Group: Plantagenet
Born / died: 1312-1377
Reign: 1327-1377


The eldest son of Edward II and Isabella of France, (daughter of King Philip the Fair).
He came to the throne at the age of 14 when his father abdicated: Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer ruled the country for the first few years. At the age of 18, Edward took control, Mortimer was executed and Isabella spared.
Edward married Philippa of Hainault and they produced 13 children, including 5 sons who lived to maturity and gave us the Wars of the Roses (Edward, Isabella, Joan, Lionel, John [of Gaunt], Edmund, Blanche, Mary, Margaret, Thomas and 3 others who died young, names to be discovered). Edward was also a womaniser
Edward spent most of his reign at war with Scotland and France, where he fought with his son Edward, the Black Prince, leaving his son John of Gaunt to run the country.
Edward died of a stroke and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

His arms incorporated those of France, azure semy of fleurs-de-lis or, to emphasise his claim to the French throne. This was also used by Richard II.