![]() ![]() The Great Seal of Edward I, who was also known as ‘Longshanks’ and the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. After Edward’s death his land gains in Scotland were quickly lost by his son Edward II. He faced significant rebellions from the Scots, including William Wallace (whose execution he ordered in 1305) and, later, Robert the Bruce. Known as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’, Edward also led major campaigns in Scotland, including a successful invasion of the country in 1296. After Llywelyn’s defeat in battle in 1282, Edward later bequeathed the title of Prince of Wales upon his own son – a tradition that still remains today. Welsh hopes of independence were quashed and the country was conquered. In response, Edward chose to force Wales and its leaders into submission, building a chain of castles along the Welsh north coast in order to block supplies into the region. This process was far from peaceful however – Edward led a harsh campaign of suppression in order to force Wales and Scotland to bend to English will.Įdward’s troubles in Wales began when the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, refused to pay homage to him. Known as ‘Longshanks’ due to his tall stature, the Plantagenet king Edward I (r1272–1307) is often credited with beginning the unification process of the British Isles. Read more: King John – the making of a medieval monster.Peace was only negotiated following John’s death in 1216. The future French king Louis invaded at the request of the barons, and John was condemned as a coward for fleeing from the French invaders. However, the king was quick to backtrack on the democratic promises of the treaty, arguing he was forced to concede to its terms under duress. By sealing Magna Carta, John dealt a huge blow to the power and prestige of the monarchy, as the document asserted that no man was above the law, not even a king. He was consequently compelled to agree to Magna Carta, a peace treaty that would go on to be recognised as one of the founding documents of the English legal system. By 1215, discontent within England had reached breaking point, and John was forced into a civil war with rebel barons. The king’s attempts to quash opposition at home proved equally unsuccessful. (Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images) Taxes to fund the war grew enormous and the situation significantly damaged John’s reputation.Ī 14th-century image of King John, one of medieval England’s most unpopular monarchs, hunting on horseback. War with France cost him dearly – he lost large amounts of money and land, including Normandy, Anjou and Maine. John’s reign was marred by rebellion and discontent, and he faced significant antagonism from both outside and inside of England. In 1199, following the brothers’ reconciliation and Richard’s death, John finally gained the throne by legitimate means. After this plot failed, John was subsequently banished. In 1193, John gained his reputation as a usurper by unsuccessfully attempting to seize the throne while his elder brother King Richard I was imprisoned in Germany. He is most frequently remembered as the cruel and greedy villain of the Robin Hood legend, who attempted to usurp his beloved brother Richard, backtracked on Magna Carta and threw England into civil war. History has not been kind to King John (r1199–1216). Read more: Did crusaders fight for god or gold?.He led successful campaigns there for a further five years before being mortally wounded by a crossbow bolt during a siege battle. This return was short-lived however, as Richard headed straight back out to the battlefields of Normandy and Aquitaine. Henry ransomed Richard, demanding a crippling payment of 150,000 marks from England for his return. On his return to Europe, Richard was captured and handed over to German king and Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI. Yet the king’s route home was far from simple. (Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images) Richard I unhorsing Saladin during the Third Crusade. ![]()
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