Edward III

From Encyclopediak

Edward III 1312-1377, King of England from 1327 to 1377, son and successor of Edward II. He was chosen king by Parliament after his father had been forced to resign his position, and during his minority the management of affairs was practically in the hands of his mother, Queen Isabella, and Mortimer, Earl of March. In 1330, however, Edward had Mortimer executed and Isabella banished, while he himself assumed control of the kingdom. Among the important events of his reign were several invasions of Scotland and the declaration of war against France. See HUNDRED YEARS WAR. Edward led his army to victory at Crecy and captured Calais, but failed to realize his ambitions to overcome Scotland and France. Among the laws passed during his reign were several attacking papal claims to religious taxes.