"Edward III and the Hundred Years War" Topic

"EDWARD III. reigned for fifty years—from 1327 to 1377. During the first four years, the government was in the hands of those who had deposed Edward II.; but when Edward III. was eighteen years old, he took the power into his own hands. He was handsome, brave, and energetic. In the greater part of his reign, the people gladly supported him, for the wars which he carried on were popular, and he let Parliament have much power. But, in his old age, he grew selfish and extravagant, and troubles arose.

The most important thing in the reign of Edward III. was the beginning of a long war—or rather a series of wars—with France. We call this the Hundred Years' War, because it lasted for more than a century, from 1327 to 1453…"
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Amicalement
Armand

If he had died a few years earlier he would have been known as Britain's greatest king and would be much better known in England. As it is the decline in his later years took the edge off his achievements both on and off the battlefield. He was responsible for having legal hearings conducted in English so that the common people could understand what they were being accused of, rather than in Norman French or Latin. He is a character well worth looking at in greater detail.

Agree!

Amicalement
Armand

Not a very good article really…no mention of the fact that Edward had effectively accepted defeat in Scotland by 1337 (if not before) – did n't stop him from continuing to campaign there, but with no prospect of conquest. Professor Nicholson's 'Edward III and the Scots' is a good place to start.

Great king. He slaughtered thousands.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand