Also known as ‘Edward Longshanks’ (because of his great height and stature), and ‘Hammer of the Scots’ (because of his wars against the Scots).
Born: on the night of 17-18 June 1239, Palace of Westminster, London Died: 7 July 1307 (aged 68) Reign: 16 November 1272-7 July 1307 Coronation: 19 August 1274, Westminster Abbey Predecessor: Henry III Successor: Edward II Spouse I: Eleanor of Castile, married 1254, died 1290 Spouse II: Margaret of France, married 1299, died 1318
Edward was a sickly child, but grew into a healthy young man. Standing 6 foot 2 inches tall with curly blond hair, he towered above many of his friends. He spoke fluently and confidently with a slight lisp.
Edward had at least 17 children during his lifetime, but only eight survived infancy. He had 14 children with his first wife Eleanor, and another three children with his second wife, Margaret.
Edward could be a very stern father. On one occasion, he had to pay for his daughter’s coronet to be repaired after he lost his temper threw it into a fire in a fit of rage!
Did you know Edward went on a crusade to the Holy Land before he was king of England? Whilst on crusade, Edward was attacked by an assassin. Edward managed to kill his assailant, but not before being cut on the arm by a poison blade. Edward’s wife, Eleanor of Castile, saved his life by sucking the poison out of the wound.
Test your understanding
What did King Edward do two years ago in 1295?
That’s the wrong answer unfortunately... Talk to the King again, and ask him why he is issuing Magna Carta again?
Excellent, you have obviously interviewed the King well. The Parliament of 1295 was the first time there were two representatives elected from each town and county to form a House of Commons. This set a model for our parliament today.
Why does a great and terrible king need Magna Carta?
Has Edward only re-issued Magna Carta because he needs money for his wars against France, Scotland and Wales?
Or, once again, are the barons are simply trying to get out of paying the taxes which are needed to run and protect England?
It is the view of this chronicle that Edward had re-issued Magna Carta because…
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