King Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks, was the King of England from 1272 to 1307. He was the son of King Henry III and Eleanor of Provence. Edward was born in Westminster on 17 June 1239. He was the eldest of five children. His siblings were:
- Margaret, who married Alexander III of Scotland
- Beatrice, who married John II, Duke of Brittany
- Edmund Crouchback, 1st Earl of Lancaster
- Katherine, who married William de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey
Edward was a tall and handsome man with red hair and blue eyes. He was a skilled warrior and a wise ruler. He was also a ruthless and ambitious man who was determined to expand his kingdom.
Edward‘s reign began with the conquest of Wales. In 1282, he invaded Wales and defeated the Welsh army at the Battle of Orewin Bridge. The Welsh prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, was killed in the battle. Edward then annexed Wales and made it part of England.
In 1295, Edward invaded Scotland. He defeated the Scottish army at the Battle of Dunbar and captured the Scottish king, John Balliol. Edward then made Scotland a vassal state of England.
Edward also fought wars in France and Ireland. He was a successful military commander and expanded the English empire.
In addition to his military achievements, Edward was also a wise and just ruler. He reformed the English legal system and made it more fair and efficient. He also established the Model Parliament, which was the first parliament to include representatives from the common people.
Edward died in Burgh by Sands on 7 July 1307. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. His son, Edward II, succeeded him to the throne.
Edward I was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a ruthless warrior and a wise ruler. He was an ambitious man who expanded the English empire. He was also a just and fair king who reformed the English legal system. Edward I is considered one of the greatest kings in English history.
Places:
- Westminster
- Wales
- Orewin Bridge
- Scotland
- Dunbar
- France
- Ireland
- Burgh by Sands
- Westminster Abbey
Names:
- King Edward I
- King Henry III
- Eleanor of Provence
- Margaret
- Alexander III of Scotland
- Beatrice
- John II, Duke of Brittany
- Edmund Crouchback, 1st Earl of Lancaster
- Katherine
- William de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey
- Llywelyn ap Gruffudd
- John Balliol
- Edward II
