Edward III King of England from 1327 to 1377 from the Plantagenet dynasty, whose claims to the French throne gave rise to the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Date of Birth: 13.11.1312 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Accession to the Throne
2. Reign under Isabella and Mortimer
3. Early Military Campaigns
4. The Hundred Years' War
5. Victory at Poitiers and the Treaty of Brétigny
6. Later Reign and Decline
7. Personal Life and Death

Early Life and Accession to the Throne

Edward III, a member of the Plantagenet dynasty, was the son of Edward II and Isabella of France. Born in 1312, he ascended to the throne in 1327 after a coup d'état orchestrated by his mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer, Earl of March.

Reign under Isabella and Mortimer

During the first four years of his reign, Edward III was a minor under the regency of his mother and Mortimer. This period saw the signing of the Treaty of Northampton (1328), which recognized Scotland's independence and the marriage of Edward's sister to Robert Bruce. However, in 1330, Edward took control of the government and had Mortimer arrested and executed.

Early Military Campaigns

Edward III's early years as a ruler were marked by military campaigns in Scotland. He invaded Scotland in 1333, defeating the Scots at the Battle of Halidon Hill. Following the siege of Berwick upon Tweed, southern Scotland was brought under English control.

The Hundred Years' War

In 1337, Edward III laid claim to the French throne as the grandson of Philip IV. This claim led to the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War, a conflict that lasted for over a century. England's first major engagement in the war was at the Battle of Crécy (1346), where the English longbow proved decisive in securing a resounding victory. After a lengthy siege, Edward also captured the port city of Calais in 1347.

Victory at Poitiers and the Treaty of Brétigny

In 1356, Edward's son, Edward the Black Prince, led the English to another significant triumph at the Battle of Poitiers, capturing King John II of France. In 1360, Edward III invaded France and besieged Paris. This led to the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), which recognized Edward's claims to certain French territories, including Aquitaine and Calais.

Later Reign and Decline

Despite the initial successes of the Hundred Years' War, Edward III's later years were marked by setbacks. In 1368, his continental possessions were threatened by the new French king, Charles V. By 1374, the English had been expelled from most of their French holdings.

Personal Life and Death

Edward III's personal life was marked by his close relationship with his mistress, Alice Perrers. He was also deeply saddened by the death of his beloved son, the Black Prince, in 1376. Edward III died in 1377 at the age of 65, leaving a legacy of military victories and territorial expansion, but also of unresolved conflicts with France.