King Edward III
Also known as Edward Windsor
Edward was crowned at age 14 and grew into a strong soldier and military leader – winning the Battle of Crécy and eventually conquered almost a quarter of France during his reign.
Edward created the ‘Duchy of Cornwall’ in 1337, for his son, which has survived for over 700 years. Prince ‘William is the current Duke of Cornwall, ‘Duchy of Cornwall.’ In a nutshell, it means that the heir to the throne receives an annual income from estates ‘- largest privately-owned landowner in England.
Edward started the Hundred Years War, and founded the Order of the Garter, which is the oldest order of chivalry in the world. There is an annual service of thanksgiving in St George’s Chapel, Windsor – mid June, and appointments are announced each year on St George’s Day. Consists of Members of the Royal Family and 24 knights.
Edward spent £50,000 on Windsor Castle transforming it into a palace, which is probably about £40 million in today’s money.
The Black Death (bubonic plague 1348-1350) occurred during Edward’s reign, which killed one third of the country’s population, there was a huge shortage of labour.
Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote ‘The Canterbury Tales’, and is referred to as ‘The Father of English Literature’ served at King Edward’s Court and was the first writer to be buried in Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey.
It was during Edward’s reign that Parliament was divided into two houses – House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Alice Perrers was a lady in waiting to Queen Philippa and a mistress of King Edward III and went on to become the wealthiest woman in England.
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