Edward III (1312-1377) - Find a Grave Memorial

English Monarch. The son of Edward II and Isabella of France, he was installed as king after his mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer, forced his weak father to abdicate. He was crowned on January 25, 1327, at the age of 14, with his mother and Mortimer in control as regents. Edward married Philippa of Hainault on January 24, 1328, at York Minster. The marriage was a loving, successful one despite Edward's infidelities, and the couple had 13 children. In 1330, at the age of 18, Edward seized control and had Roger Mortimer executed. He spared his mother, but exiled her from court. Edward ruled successfully for 50 years, during which time he expanded English territory through wars with Scotland and France, and instituted government reforms which affirmed the power of the middle class in Parliament. The country prospered through the export of wool, but the prosperity was tempered by the devastation of the Black Death. Edward died of a stroke at Sheen Palace at the age of 65. Since his eldest son and heir Edward, the Black Prince, died the previous year, the throne went to the Black Prince's son and Edward's grandson, Richard.

Bio by: Kristen Conrad