English History Timeline 1320-1329

Civil War broke out between King Edward II and his favourites the Despensors and the barons led by Roger Mortimer, who opposed Edward.

A daughter, Joan, was born to Edward II and his wife Isabella. She was known as Joan of the Tower because she was born in the Tower of London.

Roger Mortimer’s forces were unable to take London.

King Edward II defeated the Earl of Lancaster at the Battle of Broughbridge

Thomas Earl of Lancaster was executed.

King Edward was summoned to France to pay homage to the new King Charles IV in respect of his lands in Gascony.

Edward had not gone to France so Charles IV invaded Gascony. Edward had around 4,500 soldiers stationed there but knew that this would not be enough to fight Charles IV.

It was agreed that Edward should send a force to France.

Edward’s Queen, Isabella, and their eldest son, Edward travelled to France to pay homage to Charles IV and negotiate an end the war.

Edward II crossed the English Channel in order to pay homage to King Charles IV of France.

Queen Isabella did not return to England but instead remained in France with Roger Mortimer who had been exiled from England. The two had become lovers at some point.

Those nobles who continued to oppose Edward gathered around Isabella and Mortimer in France.

Queen Isabella agreed to the betrothal of Prince Edward and Phillippa of Hainault in return for the support of the Count of Hainault.

Roger Mortimer, Queen Isabella and Prince Edward landed in England with a small invasion force

Enemies of King Edward II and the Despensers flocked to support Mortimer, Isabella and Prince Edward.

King Edward and the Despensers were forced to leave London.

Hugh Despenser the elder was captured and executed.

King Edward and Hugh Despenser the younger attempted to leave England for Ireland.

King Edward II and Hugh Despenser the younger were captured by the forces of Mortimer, Isabella and Prince Edward

Hugh Despenser the younger was executed.

The nobility and the church met to discuss what to do about the King. It was decided that Edward II should be forced to abdicate in favour of his son.

Edward II was given the title Edward of Caernarvon and his eldest son became King Edward III.

King Edward III was crowned at Westminster Abbey.

King Edward’s mother, Isabella and Roger Mortimer became regents for the young king.

Edward’s mother, Isabella managed to agree a peace with her brother Charles IV and Gascony was returned to English rule.

Edward of Caernarvon was moved to Berkley Castle because it was feared that opponents of the new regime would try to effect his escape.

Edward of Caernarvon died while in custody, he may have been murdered, however, some historians believe he may have been released and lived his life in obscurity.

Walter Reynolds, Archbishop of Canterbury, died.

King Edward married Philippa of Hainault at York Minster.

Charles IV of France, Edward’s maternal uncle, died without a male heir. Although the French did not recognised female succession, Isabella and Roger Mortimer tried to secure the French crown for Edward. The French, however, did not want an English King and chose Philip of Valois to reign as King Philip VI.

Philippa of Hainault was crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey.

Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton
This treaty brought the war with Scotland to an end. Scotland became an independent country ruled by Robert the Bruce. The treaty was sealed by the marriage of Edward’s sister, Joan to David son of Robert the Bruce. However, the treaty made no provision for those English nobles who had lost land in Scotland (the disinherited).

Simon Mepeham became Archbishop of Canterbury.

Edward’s sister Joan married David Bruce, son of Robert the Bruce.

Robert the Bruce died. He was succeeded by his five year old son, David. Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray acted as regent.