King Edward II

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Born in 1284, Edward was the fourth son of Edward I, but the first three died in childhood. Edward was nothing like his father in temperament or ability. He was declared Prince of Wales – the first English prince to be given this title – in 1301, and became king in 1307 at the age of 23. Edward showed considerable favour to his friend – and probable homosexual lover – Piers Gaveston, to the extent that he provoked a revolt by the English barons who passed ordinances to reduce the king’s powers and demand the expulsion of Gaveston, who was later murdered. Edward lost control of Scotland after defeat at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. With Gaveston dead, Edward found new favourites in Hugh le Despenser and his son, also called Hugh. Opposition now came from his wife, Isabella, and her lover Roger Mortimer, who were forced to flee to France in 1323. However, they returned in 1326 and were able to depose Edward and place his son, another Edward, on the throne. The Despensers were captured and executed and Edward died in captivity at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. He was almost certainly murdered. (The photo is of the tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. I took it in natural light on a hand-held camera, which is why the focus is not perfect!)