In recent years Edward II's reign has attracted the attention of a number of scholars whose work has considerably modified the traditional picture. As a result, there has been a move away from the emphasis on constitutional and administrative theory and practice to a consideration of the personalities involved, notably Edward himself and the earls of Pembroke and Lancaster. Although medieval biography is difficult, such an approach has been highly successful - the actions of individuals are seen to be crucial in any analysis of events. However, since Kathleen Edwards's pioneer article in the...

Edward of Caernarfon is best known today for his disastrous military defeat at Bannockburn in June 1314, where his English army was defeated by a vastly inferior Scottish force led by Robert the Bruce, leading to Scottish Independence. This catastrophe was only one event in a disastrous career marked by indolence, vengefulness, vacillation in relationships with France, deranged policies at home and constitutional wrangling, which was ultimately ended by a minor insurgency led by his vindictive wife and her paramour, a disaffected baron. Roy Martin Haines examines Edward II's upbringing,...

Edward of Caernarfon is best known today for his disastrous military defeat in 1314 at Bannockburn, where his English army was defeated by a vastly inferior Scottish force led by Robert the Bruce, leading to Scottish Independence. This catastrophe was one of many in a disastrous career marked by indolence, vengefulness, vacillation in relationships with France, deranged policies at home, and constitutional wrangling, ultimately brought to an end by a minor insurgency led by his vindictive wife and her paramour, a disaffected baron. Roy Martin Haines examines Edward II's eventful life and the...