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King Edward I of England: “Longshanks” and Warrior King

One of my 22nd great-grandfathers was King Edward I of England—yes, you have more than one! Edward I, famously nicknamed “Longshanks” due to his towering height of 6’2” (remarkable for the 13th century) and “The Hammer of the Scots” for his relentless campaigns in Scotland, played a pivotal role in shaping medieval England.

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Early Life and Family

Edward was born on June 17 or 18, 1239, at the Palace of Westminster, the son of King Henry III and Eleanor of Provence. At just 15, Edward’s father arranged his marriage to Eleanor of Castile, half-sister of King Alfonso X of Castile, to strengthen political alliances. The couple married on November 1, 1254, at the Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Las Huegas in Castile.

Edward and Eleanor shared a genuine affection—uncommon for arranged royal marriages—and had at least 14 children. Five daughters and one son, Edward II (my 21st great-grandfather), survived into adulthood. When Eleanor passed away, Edward mourned deeply, commemorating her with twelve memorial crosses along her funeral procession route.

Edward’s second wife, Marguerite de France (also a 22nd great-grandmother through another lineage), bore him two sons and a daughter, though the daughter died at age five.

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Edward I: The Warrior Prince

Edward’s relationship with his father, King Henry III, was often strained. He frequently pursued independent political actions, which raised doubts about his loyalty and suitability as future king. In 1263, Edward led a campaign against Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales, with limited success. Around the same time, the baronial leader Simon de Montfort returned to England, attempting to pressure King Henry III into reforms favorable to the barons.

Edward intervened to defend his father’s crown, reclaiming Windsor Castle from rebels. Civil conflict escalated, resulting in the Second Barons’ War (1264–1267). Edward was captured at the Battle of Lewes but escaped in 1265, ultimately defeating Montfort at the Battle of Evesham, a turning point that solidified his military reputation.

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Crusades and Accession to the Throne

Edward participated in the Ninth Crusade in the Holy Land, striving to defend Christian territories, though the mission ended in a truce with the Muslims. While returning via Sicily, he learned of his father’s death on November 12, 1272. Edward finally returned to England on August 2, 1274, and was crowned King Edward I on August 19, 1274.

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Reign as King: Wars in Wales and Scotland

Edward I’s reign was defined by military campaigns and territorial expansion. He waged war in Wales multiple times, subduing Welsh leaders, executing some, and imposing English settlers in strategic towns. Castles and fortifications reinforced English dominance over the Welsh population.

Later, Edward faced uprisings in Scotland, where Robert the Bruce and William Wallace resisted English rule. Edward’s response was ruthless: he executed and imprisoned Bruce’s allies, even holding some in cages for years. Despite these harsh measures, Scottish resistance persisted, ultimately galvanizing support for Bruce’s cause.

Edward planned a personal campaign against Scotland in May 1307, but fell ill with dysentery and died on July 7, 1307, near the Scottish border. Though he died en route to battle rather than in combat, Edward’s 35-year reign left a lasting mark on England and its neighbours.

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Legacy

King Edward I is remembered not only for his military conquests but also for his remarkable lineage. Thousands of descendants, including kings, politicians, authors, and entertainers can trace their ancestry back to him. His enduring impact lies as much in his bloodline as in the history of England itself.