King Edward I of England 1272-1307. It was this Edward who fought and executed the Scottish patriot & guerilla, William “Braveheart” Wallace.

Summoned the “Model Parliament” in 1295, bringing together Lords and Commons for the first time. Under Edward, summoning Parliaments to grant taxation became standard practice. Built on the judicial reforms of Henry II. Conquered Wales by 1282. Fought with the Scots until his death; his tomb in Westminster bears the words “Here lies Edward, the Hammer of the Scots.”163

In the Barons war 1264-67 he defeated the Barons at Evesham (1265). As King he is noted for encouraging Parliamentary institutions at the expense of feudalism and for subduing Wales on which he imposed the English system of administration. He later tried to assert his authority over Scotland and died while on his way to fight Robert Bruce.283

Known as “The Hammer of the Scots,” he was held off by William “Braveheart” Wallace and other defenders. It was the Welsh who fell under his hammer; Edward wanted to rule all of Britain and consequently crushed the Welsh by 1282. He built an imposing string of massive castles in his new dominion and, after the death of the last native Welsh prince, said he would give the Welsh a new one “who would speak no English.” This turned out to be his own son, an infant. From then on, the firstborn son of the ruling British monarch has been given the title “Prince of Wales.”293

A great soldier, with the energy and ruthlessness essential for a successful medieval king. Loved jousting, hawking, and the chase. Tall and imposing, to whom one looked up literally, he dominated and even terrified his magnates. Prone to the near-psychotic rages famed among Angevin kings.288

In or shortly after 1290, he lost his mother, his queen, his chancellor, and his chief justice. Scotland dominated every thought. His legacy was overshadowed when he died on campaign, his kingdom bankrupt under the burdens of an unwinnable war.288

Edward inspired respect, loyalty, devotion, and friendship. When given, his confidence was complete and he was generous to friends. His affection for his father, brother, and wife, and his sorrow at their deaths, is well-documented. He took a close interest in the children born to him in his sixties. He displayed the conventional piety of the age. He was literate and well-informed on many different topics.288

Sister to Philip, King of France. Though only 26 when Edward died, she did not remarry, saying “When Edward died, all men died to me.” After overseeing her stepson Edward II’s marriage, she spent the last 10 years of her life in private life doing good works, notably patronizing architects and historians. She is largely responsible for Grey Friars’ Church in London.284