A Quick Look at the Life of Edward the “Black Prince”

Edward the “Black Prince” was the oldest son of king Edward III of England. He was born on 15 June 1330 and died of an unknown illness on 8 June 1376 at age 45. Dying one year before his father, he was the first Prince of Wales not to be crowned king. His son was crowned king and became Richard II of England. Edward is remembered primarily as a military commander who enabled the great English victories during the Hundred Years War.

Black Prince's Tomb

Born on 15 June 1330 in Woodstock Oxfordshire, he was given the titles Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester. When the king laid claim to the French crown, starting the Hundred Years War, a destructive conflict ensued between the English and the French.

Edward first accompanied his father on his Cressy campaign at age 16. It didn’t take Edward long to prove himself. At the battle of Cressy Edward was given command of the right wing of the army. Before the battle Edward was also presented with a black breastplate, which is where he most likely got his title the “Black Prince”.

The battle was decided by the English longbow, which slew most of the French army before they could even get in close enough to strike a blow. The brunt of the French attack that made it past the bows however, fell on the right wing commanded by the young Edward. Edward held his ground splendidly against the waves of French knights. Edward was knighted for the act. The English victory at Cressy was complete.

Edward continued fighting the French as a general under his father. He took part in the siege of Calais, the Calais counter offensive, and the naval battle of Winchelsea. He became a very popular figure among the English, and was admired everywhere for his bravery.

Edward was finally given command of his own army in the year 1356. At the battle of Poiters he smashed the French army with a devastating flank attack, a very rare maneuver at the time. Edward captured the French king and inflicted devastating losses that the French were never able to fully recover from during the remainder of the war

Edward married his first cousin Joan of Kent in 1360, gaining absolution from the Pope for marrying a blood relative. The king made his son his regent in Aquitaine, and the prince held court in Bordeaux.

Pedro of Castile, king of Spain exiled by his brother during the Castilian Civil War, came to Bordeaux to seek the Prince’s help. Promising the lordship of Biscay if Edward would help him regain his throne, he convinced Edward, and the Black Prince went to war. At the battle of Najera Edward again destroyed his foes and returned Pedro of Castile to his throne (for a time).

Unfortunately while on this campaign Edward became ill and died nine years later of the same illness. The legacy of Edward still lives on however, and he is remembered today as one of the military geniuses of the medieval period. Edward struck terror in the heart of his foes, and love in the hearts of his men. He defeated his enemies, and was usually courteous to those he conquered. Truly, these are the marks of a great commander.