Edward II of England

Edward II, (April 25, 1284 – September 21, 1327), of Caernarvon, was king of England from 1307 until deposed in January, 1327. His tendency to ignore his nobility, in favour of low-born favourites, led to constant political unrest and eventually to his deposition. He is today perhaps best remembered for the brutal method of his alleged murder, which was linked to his homosexuality.

Deposition by Isabella of France

Queen Isabella kept silence until 1325, when she went to France in company with her eldest son, Edward of Windsor, who was sent to do homage for Aquitaine to her brother, Charles IV of France. When her business was over, Isabella declined to return to her husband as long as the Despensers remained his favourites. She formed a liaison with Roger Mortimer of Wigmore, one of the baronial exiles, and in September 1326 landed in Essex accompanied by Mortimer and her son, declaring that she was come to avenge the murder of Lancaster, and to expel the Despensers. Edward's followers deserted him, and on October 2 he fled from London to the west, where he took refuge in the younger Despenser's estates in Glamorgan. His wife followed him, put to death both Despensers, and, after a futile effort to escape by sea, Edward was captured on November 6. According to legend, his capture took place at Pant-y-Brâd ("the dell of treachery"), near Llantrisant. He was imprisoned at Kenilworth Castle, and a parliament met at Westminster in January 1327, which chose his son to be king as Edward III. It was thought prudent to compel the captive king to resign the crown, and on January 20 Edward was forced to renounce his office before a committee of the estates.

Related Topics:
1325 - France - Edward of Windsor - Aquitaine - Charles IV of France - Roger Mortimer - Wigmore - 1326 - Essex - October 2 - London - Glamorgan - November 6 - Llantrisant - Kenilworth Castle - Westminster - 1327 - January 20

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