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Edward Black PrincePrince of Wales
Date of Birth: 15.06.1330
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Early Life and Career
Prince Edward, later known as the Black Prince, was born on June 15, 1330, to King Edward III and Philippa of Hainault. As the eldest son, he received the title of Earl of Chester in 1333 and became the first Duke of Cornwall in 1337. In 1343, he was appointed Prince of Wales.
During his father's frequent military campaigns, Edward served as regent of England. In 1345, he accompanied his father to France, where he earned a knighthood in 1346.
Military Prowess
At the Battle of Crécy in 1346, the 16-year-old Edward led the English right flank to a decisive victory over the French. He continued to play a prominent role in the Hundred Years' War.
In 1355, Edward led an army into Gascony and launched devastating raids into France. Two years later, he confronted King John II of France at the Battle of Poitiers. Through superior tactics, he defeated the outnumbered French and captured their king.
Prince of Aquitaine
In 1361, Edward married his cousin, Joan of Kent. In 1362, his father granted him the principality of Aquitaine in southwestern France.
Edward established a court in Bordeaux and attempted to reform the administration of Aquitaine. However, he faced opposition from the local nobility, led by Jean I d'Armagnac.
Spanish Expedition
In 1367, Edward was persuaded by the deposed King Pedro the Cruel of Castile to invade Spain. He led an army across the Pyrenees and defeated the Castilian army at the Battle of Nájera. Edward returned to Bordeaux four months later, his health weakened by the campaign.
Return to England
In 1371, Edward returned to England, leaving his brother John of Gaunt in charge of Aquitaine. In 1372, he joined his father on a campaign to France, but the effort was unsuccessful. Edward died on June 8, 1376, a year before his father. He was buried in Canterbury Cathedral, and his son, Richard II, ascended to the English throne.
