Edward II (1284-1327) - Find a Grave Memorial

English Monarch. The eldest surviving son of Edward I and Eleanor of Castile, he succeeded his father in 1307, and was crowned on his birthday in 1308. Edward lacked the royal dignity and military skill of his father, and was a complete failure as king. He married Isabella of France at Boulogne-sur-Mer on January 28, 1308. The marriage was also a failure, though four children were born. Edward relied heavily on court favourites, much like his grandfather Henry III. Edward's favourite was his former tutor and most certainly his lover, Piers Gaveston. This relationship angered the nobles, and in 1312 they revolted, murdering Gaveston and forcing Edward to accept restrictions of his power. But Gaveston was soon replaced by another despicable favourite and lover, Hugh Despenser. Edward rallied an army and met the rebellious nobles at the Battle of Boroughbridge. Edward prevailed, and he and Despenser ruled the government, gaining even more enemies. Edward's queen, who had been sent to France to negotiate her husband's affairs in Gascony, began an affair with one of the exiled nobles, Roger Mortimer. Together they raised an army, and in September of 1326, they invaded, landing at Essex. Edward's followers deserted him, and the king fled London. His wife followed, Despenser was killed, and Edward was taken prisoner. He was imprisoned at Kenilworth Castle and forced by Parliament to abdicate on January 20, 1327. Isabella and Mortimer took up the reigns of power as regents for the young Edward III. The king was systematically ill-treated in hopes he would die of disease. When his constitution proved too strong, he was secretly murdered. He was 43 years old.

Bio by: Kristen Conrad