Edward I (1239-1307) - Find a Grave Memorial

English Monarch. The eldest son of Henry III and Eleanor of Provence, he was known as Longshanks and "Hammer of the Scots." He ascended the throne upon the death of Henry III in 1272, but was not formally crowned until August 19, 1274. He married Eleanor of Castile at Burgos, Spain, on October 18, 1254. To her, he was a loving and devoted, if not entirely faithful, husband, and they had 16 children. After Eleanor's death in 1290, he married Margaret of France on September 8, 1299. They had three children. Much of Edward's reign was spent at war. He completed the conquest of Wales, defeating and uniting the Welsh Marches (an area along the border between England and Wales), and defended his duchy of Gascony in France. However, the latter half of his reign would be consumed by trouble in Scotland. The death of the young Margaret, Maid of Norway, left the throne of Scotland vacant, and Edward seized upon the opportunity to establish his control. He appointed John Balliol to the throne, but retained direct rule over the Scots and Balliol. In 1297, William Wallace rebelled and recovered much of the country, but Edward crushed the rebellion, captured Wallace, and had him executed. He then summoned a complete Parliament, including elected Scottish representatives, and it was decided that a Council would rule Scotland under Edward's supervision. Robert the Bruce unexpectedly rebelled and murdered his fellow Councilors. Despite failing health, Edward once again went north. He died en route to Scotland at Burgh-On-Sands, Cumbria (in North West England, bordering Scotland) at the age of 68. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Edward II.

Bio by: Kristen Conrad