Thu 2 Jul, 2009
Edward, the Black Prince
Comments (0) Filed under: Medieval History, Medieval People, War of the RosesTags: 14th century, Battle, Battle of Crecy, Black Prince, Crecy, Edward, edward III, history, King of England, medieval, Richard Grafton, Richard II
After doing my post on the War of the Roses it made me want to go a little further back in time, so i chose to do a little more research on Edward Prince of Wales or more recently named ‘The Black Prince’. I have to sorrowfully admit it was the catchy name that, well, caught my attention. Much to my disappointment, it is highly unlikely Edward was ever referred to as The Black Prince in his life.
The title ‘Black Prince’ first came about in Richard Grafton’s “Chronicle of England” (1568). It is believed that the name originally derived from an ornate black cuirass presented to him by Edward III at the Battle of Crecy. It is also suggested that his coat of arms used during tournaments could be the reason for the name. The coat of arms is black with three white ostrich feathers.
The Black Prince was born June 15th 1330 and died June 8th 13176. Early in his life he was named Edward of Woodstock (He was born in Woodstock). Edward became a well established and accomplished military leader and was largely popular with his people. He was viewed as both very Chivalrous and a ruthless military commander. His chivalrous side can be seen when he captured John the Good, the current King of France. According to reports, John was treated with great respect, and the two would talk over coming battles against each other and hopefully come to a peace.
One view of Edward however, was not so sophisticated. Edward was a ardent believer in the chevauchee strategy within his military campaign. This strategy involves burning and pillaging towns and farms of France as he went along his campaign. While this is not the most honorable method of warfare, it is an effective way to put noticeable pressure on the economy and morale of the French of who he was fighting. This is another reminder that war in the middle ages, as well as today, effects much more than the soldiers fighting it.
Edward III and the black prince.
The Black Prince died at the age of 45 while his father was still king. However he gave instructions to Edward III to make his son the Prince of Wales, who would become King Richard II of England. Like him or not, Edward’s behavior was no different than other knights and nobles at his time, and throughout the middle ages.
Sources:
Richard Barber, The Life and Campaigns of the Black Prince
Barbara Tuchman, A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century, Alfred A. Knopf, New York City, 1978.
