LGBT People of History 3 - King Edward II of England
This is the third in our Hubs about Historical LGBT people. We hope you enjoy reading it.
King Edward II of England
King Edward II of England was the son of King Edward I (Longshanks) of England – a horrible man, who suppressed the Welsh and tried to suppress the Scots (Braveheart – William Wallace). He was born in 1284 and became King in 1307, being the sixth Plantagenet King.
He did marry a woman – Isabella of France – and is said to have fathered at least 5 children. The marriage was however not successful at all. This was due to his spending a lot of time with his favourite male courtiers and also trying to limit the power of the Peerage.
Early in life, Edward formed a very close relationship with Piers Gaveston, a Gascon Knight and an athletic and witty character. It is highly likely that their relationship was of a sexual nature. Edward appears to have had a sensitive disposition. When Piers was murdered in 1312, he was devastated and would not leave the body for several weeks.
Soon after this the Scots were regrouping and avenging the suppression brought about by Longshanks. Edward II and his army of 22000 fought the Battle of Bannockburn against the Scots led by Robert the Bruce in 1314, which resulted in a resounding defeat for the English.
Edward developed a strong relationship with Hugh Despenser the Younger and provoked the fury of the Barons due to the favours given to him. Isabella meanwhile moved back to France and after several other events returned to England with the intention of invasion in 1326. This was successful and Despenser was tried and brutally hung, drawn and quartered in a very public fashion.
Edward was then forced to abdicate in favour of his 14 year old son, Edward III, in 1327. His death is surrounded in mystery. Some say he was assassinated by having a red-hot poker inserted into his anus. Some say he lived until 1330 and one account has him still alive in Italy in 1340.
However he died, the last years of his life seem to have been pitifully sad.
Ian and Callum.
With thanks to Wikipedia.
Here is a link to all of our Hubs on LGBT People of History:
- LGBT People Of History Collection
Here are the links to each of the LGBT People Of History hubs that Ian and I have wrote. As mentioned above, each time a new one is published you will find it on here.
