Edward III (disambiguation) facts for kids

Edward III of England (born November 13, 1312 – died June 21, 1377) was a very important King of England. He ruled for 50 years, from 1327 until his death. His time as king was one of the longest in English history. Edward III is best known for starting the Hundred Years' War with France and for making big changes to how England was governed.

Who Was King Edward III?

Edward III was a strong and ambitious king who led England through a period of great change. He was a skilled military leader and played a key role in developing the English Parliament. His reign saw England become a major power in Europe.

Early Life and Becoming King

Edward was born in Windsor Castle, England. His parents were King Edward II and Queen Isabella. His father, King Edward II, was not a very popular king. When Edward was just 14 years old, his mother and her ally, Roger Mortimer, removed his father from the throne. Young Edward was then crowned king on January 25, 1327. For a few years, his mother and Mortimer ruled for him. However, in 1330, Edward, now 18, took control of the government himself. He had Mortimer arrested and executed, showing he was ready to be a strong ruler.

Starting the Hundred Years' War

One of the most significant events of Edward III's reign was the start of the Hundred Years' War. This long conflict between England and France began in 1337. Edward believed he had a rightful claim to the French throne through his mother, Isabella, who was the daughter of the French king Philip IV. The war was also about control over valuable lands in France, especially Aquitaine. Edward declared himself King of France, which led to many years of fighting.

Key Battles and Victories

Edward III led his armies to several important victories during the early years of the Hundred Years' War.

• Battle of Crécy (1346): This was a major English victory. The English army, though smaller, used their longbows very effectively against the French knights. This battle showed the power of new military tactics.
• Siege of Calais (1346–1347): After Crécy, Edward's army besieged the important French port of Calais. The city surrendered after a long siege, and Calais remained an English possession for over 200 years.
• Battle of Poitiers (1356): Edward's son, Edward, the Black Prince, led the English army to another huge victory at Poitiers. The French king, John II, was even captured during this battle.

These victories made England a powerful force and brought great fame to Edward III and his knights.

Changes in England During His Rule

Edward III's reign wasn't just about war. He also made important changes within England.

• Parliament's Power: During his time, the English Parliament became much more important. Kings often needed money for wars, and they had to ask Parliament for it. This gave Parliament more influence over the king's decisions. It began to be divided into two houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
• The Black Death: A terrible plague called the Black Death arrived in England in 1348. It killed a huge part of the population, perhaps one-third or even half. This had a massive impact on society, the economy, and the way people lived and worked. It led to labor shortages and eventually helped change the feudal system.
• Order of the Garter: In 1348, Edward founded the Order of the Garter, a special group of knights. It is still one of the most important and respected orders of chivalry in the world today.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Edward III faced more challenges. The war in France became more difficult, and England lost some of its earlier gains. The Black Prince, his eldest son and a great military leader, died in 1376, before his father. This was a big blow to the king. Edward III himself died in 1377, at the age of 64.

Edward III is remembered as one of England's most successful medieval kings. He strengthened the English monarchy, expanded England's influence in Europe, and helped shape the future of Parliament. His reign was a time of both great military success and significant social change.

See also

• Edward III, Duke of Bar (1377–1415), a duke who fought in the Hundred Years' War.
• Edward III (play), a play that some people think was partly written by William Shakespeare.
• Edward the Confessor (c. 1004–1066), an earlier English king also named Edward.