Edward iii biography

Edward III, also known as Edward of Windsor before his accession to the throne, was born in 1312 to King Edward II & Isabella of France, and was the eldest of five children.

Edward III grew up amid struggles between his father and a number of barons who were attempting to limit the king’s power and to strengthen their own role in governing England.

His mother turned against his father, and she and her lover, Roger Mortimer deposed his father in favour of Edward who was heir to the throne. His father was imprisoned at Berkeley Castle and according to traditional accounts, he was most likely murdered on the orders of the new regime.

Edward became King of England in January 1327 and was crowned Edward III on the 1st February 1327 aged 14 years old.

Edward’s mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer ruled in Edward’s name until 1330, when he executed Mortimer and banished his mother, seizing control and beginning his personal rule.

Edward married Philippa of Hainault