Edward II

Edward, the eldest surviving son of Edward I and Eleanor of Castile. was born in Caernarvon, Wales, in 1284. When he was seventeen he was created Prince of Wales, the first English heir-apparent to bear the title. He accompanied his father on his military campaigns but was not a successful soldier.

Edward became king in 1307 but was soon in conflict with the important barons of the country who considered him to be lazy and indecisive. The barons also disliked the way he ignored their advice on how to run the country. Edward tended to rely on the views of his young, inexperienced friends. One of these, Piers de Gaveston, was particularly influential. He was created Earl of Cornwall, and went Edward left England to marry Isabella of France, the daughter of King Philip IV, he was appointed guardian of the kingdom.

Concerned by the growing influence of Piers de Gaveston, a group of barons asked Edward II to send him into exile. When Edward refused, the barons rebelled and after capturing Gaveston in 1312 they had him murdered.

Edward, 1042-1066 William I, 1066-1087 William II, 1087-1100 Henry I, 1100-1135 Stephen, 1135-1154 Henry II, 1154-1189 Richard I, 1189-1199 John, 1199-1216 Henry III, 1216-1272 Edward I, 1272-1307 Edward II, 1307-1327 Edward III, 1327-1377 Richard II, 1377-1399 Henry IV, 1399-1413 Henry V, 1413-1422 Henry VI, 1422-1461 Edward IV, 1461-1483 Edward V, 1483-1483 Richard III, 1483-1485 Henry VII, 1485-1509 Henry VIII, 1509-1547 Edward VI, 1547-1553 Mary, 1553-1558 Elizabeth I, 1558-1603 James I, 1603-1625 Charles I, 1625-1649 Charles II, 1660-1685 James II, 1685-1688 Mary II, 1688-1694 William III, 1688-1702 Anne, 1702-1714 George I, 1714-1727 George II, 1727-1760 George III, 1760-1820 George IV, 1820-1830 William IV, 1830-1837 Victoria, 1837-1901 Edward VII, 1901-1910 George V, 1910-1936 Edward VIII, 1936 George VI, 1936-1952