Edward III

Also known as: Edward the 3 / Edward the third / K. Edward the third / king Edward the third · Family: England · Role: former king of England · First appears: Richard II 1

In the one and thirtieth year of Edward III’s reign, Laurence Hastings, Earl of Pembroke was created Earl of Pembroke, having been familiar with the king. Edward III was the son of Edward II and parent of Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, William of Hatfield, Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence, John of Gaunt, Edmund Langley, Duke of York, Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, William of Windsor, Isabella of England, and Margaret of England. Richard II was his grandson, while Henry V was described as his great-grandson and heir to France.

Edward III died on 21 June 1377: “his grandfather king Edward was departed this life”. John Beauchamp of Holt had served him, John Hastings was first his ward, and Marie de Valence was his kinswoman. At Winchester, Edward took William of Wykeham into his service, advanced him through church and royal offices, and eventually made him bishop of Winchester, but John of Gaunt and Alice Perrers later procured his banishment; after Edward’s death, William returned and obtained a general pardon.

Later accounts recalled letters patent granted by Edward and Richard II that were revoked, and noted that Edward had fought at Cressy shortly before the battle was remembered in the reign of Henry V. Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy was described as near kin to Edward IV as Edward was to Henry V.