Black Prince Edward

Edward of Woodstock, later known as the Black Prince, was born to King Edward III and Queen Philippa of Hainault in Woodstock Palace.

At the age of three, Edward made his first public appearance at the coronation of his mother, Queen Philippa, in Westminster Abbey.

Edward began his formal education, which included military training, chivalric values, and courtly manners, under the tutelage of various scholars and knights.

At the age of 16, Edward fought alongside his father, King Edward III, in the Battle of Crécy, a significant victory over the French during the Hundred Years' War.

Edward participated in the siege of Calais, which lasted nearly a year, resulting in the capture of the city and a strategic foothold in northern France.

Edward married Joan of Kent, a woman with a complex lineage and already a widow, in a union that would produce two sons, Edward and Richard.

Edward was appointed Prince of Aquitaine and took up residence in Bordeaux, where he ruled the region with a combination of military and administrative skills.

Edward led the English forces to a decisive victory over the French at the Battle of Poitiers, capturing King John II of France and securing a significant advantage in the war.

Edward played a key role in the negotiations with the French following the capture of King John II, leading to the Treaty of Brétigny, which temporarily ended hostilities.

After several years in Aquitaine, Edward returned to England to assist his father in managing the kingdom and to address various political and military issues.

Edward was formally invested as the Prince of Wales, a title that had been held by his father before him, symbolizing his position as heir to the throne.

Edward led an expedition to Spain to support King Pedro of Castile, achieving a significant victory at the Battle of Nájera, but the campaign ultimately proved politically complex.

The Hundred Years' War resumed, and Edward faced new challenges as the French regained territory in Aquitaine, leading to a period of intense military and political activity.

Edward's health began to decline, likely due to dysentery contracted during his campaigns, which limited his military and political activities in the latter years of his life.

Edward played a crucial role in negotiating the Truce of Bruges, which temporarily halted the Hundred Years' War, although it did not resolve the underlying issues.

Edward, the Black Prince, died at the age of 46 in Westminster, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's most renowned military leaders and a key figure in the Hundred Years' War.