Deceit, Deception, and Death in the Court of Edward II

The Poison Maiden (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 2): Deceit, deception and death in the court of Edward II

by Travis Breeding

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1898 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages
Hardcover	:	436 pages
Item Weight	:	1.73 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.94 x 9.21 inches

FREE

The reign of King Edward II of England (1307-1327) was marked by political turmoil, treachery, and a shocking downfall. At the heart of this tumultuous period lay a web of deceit, deception, and deadly intrigue.

The Rise and Fall of Piers Gaveston

Edward II's early reign was dominated by the scandalous relationship between the king and his favorite, Piers Gaveston. A bold and ambitious Gascon knight, Gaveston was showered with lavish favors and titles, incurring the wrath of the English nobility.

The barons, led by Thomas of Lancaster, accused Gaveston of exploiting the king and undermining the realm. In 1312, they forced Edward to exile Gaveston. However, in the following year, the king secretly recalled his favorite, sparking open conflict.

The barons' forces defeated Edward and captured Gaveston at Scarborough Castle. The prisoner was handed over to Thomas of Lancaster's brother-in-law, Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, who subjected Gaveston to a gruesome execution by beheading.

The Despenser Influence

The murder of Gaveston marked a turning point in Edward II's reign. The king became increasingly isolated and dependent on a new favorite, Hugh Despenser the Younger. This ambitious and ruthless baron consolidated his power through cunning and manipulation.

The Despensers, known for their greed and arrogance, incurred the enmity of the nobility. In 1321, a coalition of barons, led by Thomas of Lancaster, rose in rebellion against the king and his favorites.

Edward's forces were routed at the Battle of Boroughbridge. Thomas of Lancaster was captured and executed, along with many of his supporters. The Despensers, flushed with victory, became even more tyrannical and oppressive.

Isabella's Revenge

King Edward II's downfall was ultimately brought about by his own wife, Isabella of France. Isabella was married to Edward in 1308, but their relationship soon turned sour. Edward's blatant favoritism towards Gaveston and Despenser alienated Isabella.

In 1325, Isabella fled to France with her son, Edward III. She allied herself with Roger Mortimer, a powerful and ambitious English baron, and plotted to overthrow her husband.

Isabella and Mortimer invaded England in 1326. Edward II's supporters quickly deserted him, and he was captured and imprisoned in Berkeley Castle. In September 1327, the deposed king was brutally murdered, allegedly by being penetrated with a hot poker through the anus.

The Aftermath

The death of Edward II marked the end of a tumultuous and treacherous chapter in English history. The reign of his successor, Edward III, ushered in a period of relative stability and prosperity.

However, the legacy of deceit, deception, and death in the court of Edward II continued to haunt the English monarchy for decades to come. The lessons learned from this tumultuous period served as a warning to future kings and queens about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the deadly consequences of betrayal.

The court of Edward II was a breeding ground for intrigue, treachery, and deadly violence. Deceit and deception were rampant, as powerful individuals schemed to gain favor and advance their own agendas. The king's inability to control his favorites and curb their excesses ultimately led to his downfall.

The story of Edward II's reign serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing corruption and personal ambition to overshadow the interests of the realm. It is a reminder that even the most powerful of rulers can be brought down by those who plot against them.

The Poison Maiden (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 2): Deceit, deception and death in the court of Edward II

by Travis Breeding

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1898 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages
Hardcover	:	436 pages
Item Weight	:	1.73 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.94 x 9.21 inches

FREE