Essays on King Edward I

Edward Longshanks, Hammer of the Scots

Edward I was the son of King Henry III and Eleanor of Provence. From an early age, he was involved in the political intrigues of his father's reign. During his reign, Edward was reforming royal administration and common law. He was lawless, arrogant, violent, revengeful, and cruel. Also, Edward had a talent for leadership and brilliant military capacity. Edward built a lot of castles in Wales such as Caernarfon and Harlech castles.

Edward destroyed the autonomous principality of Wales, and remained to supine for more than 100 years. In 1290, he expelled the Jews from England. In 1296 Edward raised an army and invaded Scotland. In 1306 Edward went to Scotland with an army to fight Robert the Bruce, the new Scottish king.

Edward died near Carlisle, on his way to reconquer Scotland. After death, he left to his son Edward II many financial and political problems and an ongoing war with Scotland.