The Reign of Edward II, 1307–27

Edward II’s reign presents the dramatic narrative of a wilful king who faced baronial resistance and suffered military failures in both Scotland and France before losing his throne and his life. At the same time, it is a reign of considerable institutional and ideological interest. This book offers both a concise history and essential primary source materials for students. Featuring a range of translations, some original and others difficult to find, it brings together scattered evidence and allows comparisons to be made between different accounts. Overall, it sheds valuable light on a significant period in English history, during which the position of the king became both stronger, through increased wealth, and weaker, through the greater need for consent and the precedent of the deposition.