Reign of Edward II

1307–1327 CE

Edward II inherited the English crown in 1307 and soon faced opposition over the influence and rewards granted to his favourite Peter Gaveston. Conflict between the king and leading earls repeatedly disrupted government and culminated in Gaveston’s capture and killing in 1312.

The reign also included defeat by Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn, continuing financial and political crisis, and the later dominance of the Despensers. Queen Isabella’s estrangement from Edward eventually contributed to the invasion of 1326 and the king’s deposition.

This context supports the later Hugh Corbett mysteries, the Mathilde of Westminster trilogy and other fiction about Edward II, Isabella of France, Gaveston, baronial resistance and the instability of the early fourteenth-century court.

Related people for Reign of Edward II

Edward III of England1312–1377 Edward II of England1284–1327 Edward I of England1239–1307 Isabella of France1295–1358 Joan de Geneville, 2nd Baroness Geneville1286–1356 Philip IV of France1268–1314 Robert the Bruce1274–1329 Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March1287–1330 William Wallace1270–1305

Series

Series about Reign of Edward II (2 series)

Folville’s Law in Order

by David Pilling 2 books 4.1

Folville's Law follows Sir John Swale through the violent collapse of Edward II's government and the uncertain minority of Edward III. Set amid northern warfare, political murder, outlaw bands and the rise and fall of Roger Mortimer, the novels blend medieval crime with the struggle for control of…

Folville’s Law (I)

by David Pilling

4.2

Folville’s Law (II)

by David Pilling

4.0

Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy in Order

by Paul Doherty 3 books 4.3

The Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy is narrated by a physician who once served Isabella of France before and after her marriage to Edward II. Looking back from later life, Mathilde records the murders, poisonings and acts of espionage that surrounded the young queen’s household. Her medical skill and…