EDWARD III

ENGLISH, 1312-77

Regarded by many as one of the greatest English monarchs, Edward III’S 50 years on the throne completely reversed the damage done by his father’s disastrous reign and firmly established him as a leading player on the European stage. Encouraged by his near subjugation of Scotland, he turned his attention to France and started a war by declaring himself rightful king, citing the claim of his mother Isabelle to the French throne.