Edward III’s long reign was one of the most impactful in medieval England. He revived the fortunes of the monarchy after a troubled minority and began the Hundred Years’ War against France, claiming the French crown and initiating a centuries-long conflict. Edward’s military successes, including the famous Battle of Crécy, enhanced England�
Richard I “the Lionheart” (r. 1189–1199)
Famed for his bravery and military leadership, Richard I earned the nickname “Lionheart” for his role during the Third Crusade. Despite spending much of his reign abroad fighting Muslims in the Holy Land, he was a legendary warrior king whose exploits inspired generations. Richard’s reign was marked by his devotion to the Crusading cause, but
Medieval English Kings You Should Know
The medieval period of English history, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, was a time of great upheaval, consolidation, and transformation. The kings of this era shaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of England, leaving legacies that still resonate today. Below are seven medieval English kings whose reigns were p
Case Studies in Survival
The Plantagenets of England The Plantagenet dynasty, ruling England from the mid-12th century, exemplified many of these survival strategies. Their extensive marriages linked them to French nobility. They also codified laws (e.g., Magna Carta in 1215) to manage noble discontent, and waged prolonged military campaigns such as the Hundred Years’ W