London uprising facts for kids
Quick facts for kids London uprising |
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| Part of Invasion of England (1326) | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Royalists |
Contrariants | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Eleanor de Clare   Walter de Stapledon † Richard Stapledon † |
Richard de Betoyne | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| unknown | unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown | unknown | ||||||
The London uprising was a big event during the 1326 Invasion of England. This was when Isabella of France, who was the wife of King Edward II, took control of London. London was the main city in the Kingdom of England. This happened after her husband, the King, left the Tower and ran away to the west.
Why Did the Uprising Happen?
In the spring of 1326, Queen Isabella made plans for her son, Edward, to marry Philippa. Philippa was the daughter of William I, Count of Hainaut. Isabella got some of Philippa's dowry (money or property given at marriage) early. She used this money to pay for her plan to invade England. Her main goal was to remove her husband, King Edward II, from his throne. She wanted their son to become the new king.
Isabella's Invasion Begins
In September, Isabella and her supporters landed in Suffolk, near the River Orwell. One of her key supporters was Roger Mortimer. It was easy for her to gather an army. Many people were against the king. Her army then marched towards London.
As Isabella got closer to London, she avoided a group of soldiers sent by King Edward. This group was led by the Earl of Winchester. Isabella's army had about 1,500 men. They had already traveled far into England. King Edward stayed in London during this time.
London Falls to Isabella
Isabella's army moved even closer to the capital city. King Edward and his most loyal soldiers were holding the Tower of London. However, the people of London were against the King. Fearing a big defeat, the King decided to leave the city. He headed west with his supporters, including the Earl of Winchester and other members of the Despenser family.
The King's small army quickly went to Gloucester. This left London open for Isabella and Mortimer to take it without a fight. Isabella had almost finished her plan to take over England.
King Edward II was captured soon after this. He was removed from his position as king by the parliament. He was put in prison and later died while imprisoned at Berkeley Castle.
