Aims
Does Edward I (1272-1307) deserve the epithet the “English Justinian”, and was his reign important in the development of Parliament? Or was he just a “self-interested bully” intent on subjugating Wales, Scotland and Ireland? Edward II (1307-26) was defeated in battle, faced internal divisions, and was ultimately deposed by his wife Isabella and her lover, but did his very ineffectiveness ultimately result in significant constitutional change? Was Edward III (1327-77) really a “new Arthur” whose continental victories increased England’s trade and wealth? Or did his many wars plunge England into bankruptcy, resulting in higher taxation and revolts?
This course explores the reigns of the three Edwards, and assesses their relative importance in the consolidation of royal power, legal and administrative reform, the rise of Parliament and taxation. and the shaping of England’s identity.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Critically analyse medieval sources.
- Assess documents and historiography of different periods in order to reach their own conclusions
- Discern why historians of different periods had proposed different views for the same historical figures.
- Use source material effectively to explain and discuss key themes and issues
The Seminars
After week one, each session will begin with a class discussion of the key issues raised in the reading for that week. Then the key questions and themes of the reading for the next week will be introduced by the tutor.
- Week 1 : The Legacy of King John & Henry III
- Weeks 2-4: Edward I (1272-1307)
- Edward I Establishes his reign (1272- 1296)
- Edward I, Administration & Government- The English Justinian?
- Edward I, Scotland & Parliament (1296- 1307)
- Weeks 5-7: Edward II (1307-1326)
- Edward II and Gaveston: The problem with Favourites (1307-11)
- Edward II, Thomas of Lancaster & the Despensers: War and Rebellion (1311-21)
- Why was Edward II deposed? (1321-1326)
- Weeks 8-10: Edward III (1326-1377)
- Edward III Takes Power (1327-1337)
- Edward III the Chivalric warrior? (1337-1360)
- Edward III’s Legacy (1360-77)
- Week 11:Decision Time- Which Edward was the greatest medieval monarch?
Assessment
Formative assessment set around week 6, usually an essay plan. Feedback is given on the essay plan.
Summative assessment at the conclusion of the course. This will be a 2,000 word essay.
Suggested Initial Reading List
Other texts will form part of the reading list for the course. These are background texts:
- Barber, Richard. Edward III and the Triumph of England: The Battle of Crécy and the Company of the Garter. London: Allen Lane , 2013.
- Carr, Helen. Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century. London: Hutchinson Heinemann, 2025.
- Haines, Roy Martin. King Edward II: His Life, His Reign, and Its Aftermath, 1284-1330. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2003.
- Maddicott, J. R. The Origins of the English Parliament, 924-1327. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.
- Morris, Marc. A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain. London: Windmill Books, 2009.
- Mortimer, Ian. The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation. London: Jonathan Cape, 2006.
- Philips, Seymour. Edward II. Yale University Press, 2010.
- Prestwich, Michael. The Three Edwards: War and State in England, 1272–1377. 2nd ed. London: Routledge, 2003.
- Prestwich, Michael. Edward I. New Haven: Yale University
Press, 1988. - Warner, Kathryn. Edward II: The Unconventional King. Stroud, UK: Amberley Publishing, 2014.