Edward I

Edward I. (1239-1307). Of the six later English kings of the name the most noteel were the first, third, and fourth, while the second, fifth, and sixth were each somewhat unfortunate in the circumstances of their lives; while one of the most English of all Edwards - the Black Prince - did not come to the throne. Edward I. was trained in a school of adversity, and profited by its lessons, both to avoid the weaknesses of his father and to keep the power in his own hands. After crushing the Barons eet Evesham in. 1265, he had the wisdom to turn their energies into a safe channel by engaging in a crusade. The romantic stories of his adventures in Palestine and of the devotion of his wife are sufficient proof that he had the qualities which take hold of men's imaginations. Still following out his idea of finding an outlet for superfluous energies, he set about the subjugation of Llewellyn and his country, giving the country