Full Name: Edward of Woodstock
Profession: Prince of Wales
Biography: One of the most successful English commanders of the Hundred Years' War, Edward was seen by his contemporaries as the ideal embodiment of chivalry and knighthood. He was the heir to the throne, the son of Edward III, and was installed as Prince of Wales in 1343.
In 1346, aged 16, his father purposely left him to win the Battle of Crécy, which he did. He served in several battles in France, including at Poitiers, where he routed the French army and captured the French king, John II. His father later made him Prince of Gascony and Aquitaine in France. Controversially, in 1370, he plundered and massacred the town of Limoges during a war with Charles V of France.
He contracted dysentery and died of the illness on June 8, 1376; his father died a year later, and the crown passed to Edward's eldest son, who became Richard II.
It is unknown precisely why he was named the Black Prince, a title which took hold some centuries after his death, but it is likely to be a reference to the color of his armor or his shield.
Born: June 15, 1330
Birthplace: Woodstock Palace, England
Star Sign: Gemini
Died: June 8, 1376 (aged 45)
Cause of Death: Dysentery
Articles and Photos
Historical Events
- 1337-03-17 Edward the Black Prince is made Duke of Cornwall, the first Duchy made in England
- 1356-09-19 English forces under Edward the Black Prince defeat French at the Battle of Poitiers and capture the French King John II during the Hundred Years' War
- 1367-04-03 An alliance of King Peter of Castile, Edward the Black Prince and John of Gaunt of England, Aquitaine, Majorca and Navarra defeats Count Henry of Castile in the Battle of Navarrete, fought near Nájera in La Rioja, Castile
Personal Life
- 1361-10-10 Edward the Black Prince of England is married to Joan Plantagenet 'the fair maid of Kent' at Windsor Castle
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