A biography of Edward the Black Prince

Edward Plantagenet, the Black Prince, was the son of Edward the Third. He was a renowned military hero from an early age, serving in France and Spain and who acquired several titles in south west France. Married to Joan, a relative, he was later taken ill, possibly of a disease caught in Spain and died without attaining the crown.

Early years

Dates Edward, the eldest son of Edward the Third was born in 1330. As heir to the throne, he became Prince of Wales at the age of thirteen and three years later in 1346, he took part in the battle of Crecy, when an English army routed numerically superior to French forces. In this battle, he acquitted himself very well and was congratulated by his father on commanding a wing of the army against a withering French attack. After Crecy In 1347, he participated in the battle of Poitiers where the French King John was captured. He treated his captured enemy with great courtesy and respect though Edward's father insisted that John be handed over. John later died in captivity. In 1355, the Black Prince acquired princedom of Gascony and Aquitaine. In 1362, he married Joan of Kent, a relative from the Plantagenet family. The couple went to live in his French domain.

Later years

Edward the Black Prince
Edward acquired the title of the Black Prince because of his black armour which was in reality, gold plated and which would have stood out in battle. Military achievements He continued his military exploits by invading Spain in support of the deposed and exiled King Pedro. After fighting the great victory of Najera, Edward restored Pedro, who expressed his gratitude by awarding the Black Prince a large ruby which is still in the English Crown jewels. Edward's treatment However, Edward could be quite harsh and was unpopular in France because of his taxation to support his English armies. After Limoges rebelled against him, he massacred three thousand of his citizens. Despite this blot on his record, he was in general known as a courteous person, and his good qualities came out in later years. Health problems After his activities in Spain, he began to suffer from health problems. Some people think that it is because of a virus that he picked up in Spain and from which he never recovered. During this time, when he had returned to England, he spent more time in religious works and charitable activities. Death He died in 1376 without having ascended the throne. He left a son, Richard, who was to succeed him as Richard the Second.