The fourth-born son of a King of England, Edward II inherited the throne when Alfonso, his only surviving elder brother, died before his father. Otherwise known as Edward of Caernarfon, he married Isabella of France, daughter to King Philip IV. Despite this, he much preferred the company of his friend, Piers Gaveston. It is unclear as to how close they were although many believe they were both in a homosexual relationship. Jealous of his influence in the Royal duties, King Edward's council forced him to exile Gaveston. This ultimately brewed more trouble as Gaveston returned with more power and forced a change in the law giving Barons more power. The consequent power struggle led to Isabella leaving for France on the premise of brokering peace with the long warring French, however she switched sides and allied with them instead. On her return, Edward could not maintain his grip on power with barons against him and the invading army approaching. Edward saw no choice other than to abdicate upon which he was sent to rot in gaol at Berkeley Castle. Imprisoned in a room that had an open sewage pit in its only well, the King was intended to die from the fumes. When this did not happen, he was imprisoned between two mattresses then impaled with a red-hot iron poker. His screams could be heard around the entire countryside which on some nights can still be heard echoing from the distant hills.
|
Fantastic Britain: Myths And LegendsWritten by Rowan Blair Colver Categories
All
Download History eBooks anywhere you are. It's only history once it's written down! Have your say because it's important. Make your own Weebly site. |