Who was Edward, the Black Prince? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince

Died At Age: 45

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Joan of Kent

mother: Philippa of Hainault

siblings: 1st Duke of Clarence, 1st Duke of Gloucester, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 1st Duke of York, Countess of Bedford, Countess of Pembroke, Edmund of Langley, Isabella, Joan of England, John of Gaunt, Lionel of Antwerp, Margaret, Mary of Waltham, Thomas of Woodstock

children: Edward of Angoulême, Richard II of England

Royal Family Members British Men

Died on: June 8, 1376

place of death: London, England

Cause of Death: Dysentery

Recommended For You

1

Where did Edward, the Black Prince fight during the Hundred Years' War?

Edward, the Black Prince fought in major battles such as the Battle of Crécy, the Battle of Poitiers, and the Battle of Najera during the Hundred Years' War.
2

What was Edward, the Black Prince's role in the Battle of Poitiers?

At the Battle of Poitiers, Edward, the Black Prince, played a crucial role in leading the English forces to victory over the French in 1356.
3

How did Edward, the Black Prince acquire his nickname?

Edward, the Black Prince earned his nickname due to the black armor he wore in battle and his reputation for military prowess and chivalry.
4

What was the significance of the Battle of Crécy in Edward, the Black Prince's military career?

The Battle of Crécy in 1346, marked a significant victory for Edward, the Black Prince, as he demonstrated his strategic skills and bravery at a young age.
5

What was Edward, the Black Prince's impact on English military tactics during the Hundred Years' War?

Edward, the Black Prince is credited with introducing innovative military tactics, such as the longbow formations, that revolutionized warfare during the Hundred Years' War.

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British Royal Family Members

Childhood & Early Life

Edward was born on June 15, 1330 at the Royal Palace of Woodstock in Oxfordshire as the eldest son to King Edward III and Queen Philippa.

He was created Earl of Chester in 1333 and the Duke of Cornwall in 1337. For the next few years he became the guardian of the kingdom when his father was away for war. He became the Prince of Wales in 1343.

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Later Years

Edward was knighted by King Edward III in 1345 at La Hogue. Edward actively aided his father at the Battle of Crecy the next year and possibly earned the title ‘The Black Prince’ for his black armor.

At the Crecy battle, an army of English, Welsh and allied troops led by Edward III defeated the combined army of French, Genoese and Majorcan troops led by Philip VI.

In spite of being heavily outnumbered Edward III won convincingly due to the introduction of weapons such as the longbow and cannons. In order to further their expeditions in France the army needed supplies and reinforcements.

Edward III needed a port where his army could be resupplied and the most fitting place to do so was the English Channel port at Calais. The town had a double moat coupled with strong and high walls and so did the citadel located inside. The town could serve as a perfect place for the king’s purpose with the added incentive of being defendable by sea.

Edward III’s army reached Calais in September 1346. Nothing was achieved by both the sides for the next two months as neither could cut off the supplies of the other. Edward III received them from England and Flanders, while Philip VI of France received them from loyal French sailors.

From November to February various attempts were made but the walls couldn’t be breached and Edward III ordered siege. Both the sides received additional reinforcements though were finally able to block further supplies to the French.

By August the city’s food and fresh water supplies had exhausted and they lit fires to signal their surrender. The citizens submitted the keys of the city gates to Edward III and left with some provisions.

The Battle of Winchelsea took place in 1350 and was a victory for an English fleet of 50 ships commanded by Edward III, with the Black Prince, over a Castillian fleet of 40 ships commanded by Don Carlos de la Cerda.

By 1355, Edward the Black Prince had become the King’s Lieutenant for Gascony and the army’s leader at Aquitaine, which was invading Southeastern France. During this great raid they made several important allies and crippled France economically. The successful conquest of Aquitaine ensured Edward III got more land, resources and armies.

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The Battle of Poitiers started in September 1356 between the Black Prince and John II, King of France. The English won solely on the basis of their battle-acumen and the French King and his youngest son were captured.

The Treaty of Bretigny was signed between the Black Prince and the prisoner of war - John II in 1360. The treaty gave the former many new provinces with complete control and no interference from the French king.

The second term dictated a ransom of three million gold crowns and when the payment of one million was made, John II was released. But as a guarantee for the payment of the rest of the ransom, John gave several hostages (including his own two sons) to the Black Prince.

The Battle of Najera was fought in April 1367 between the Anglo-Gascon army and the Franco-Castilian Army. The English were led by the Black Prince with allies in John of Gaunt and Peter of Castile

The war became a lost-cause for the Black Prince when Peter was murdered and the money Edward had invested in the war efforts became pointless. As a result, the Black Prince became bankrupt.

Achievements

Out of all the achievements of the Black Prince, the ones that stood out were the roles he played in the battles of Crecy and Poitiers. At the Crecy battle, an army of English, Welsh and allied forces led by Edward III defeated the combined army of French, Genoese and Majorcan troops led by Philip VI. At the battle of Poitiers he fought and won against King John II of France.

Personal Life & Legacy

Edward, the Black Prince married his cousin, Joan who was the Countess of Kent, in 1361 and they had two sons, Edward and Richard. He also became the step-father to Joan’s children from a previous marriage including Thomas and John Holland.

He had several illegitimate children including Sir Roger Clarendon with Edith de Willesford and three other sons named Edward, Sir John Sounder and Sir Charles FitzEdward.

Edward, the Black Prince died on June 8, 1376 at the Westminster Palace. His death was the culmination of illness he contracted during his 1366 campaign to Spain in order to restore Don Pedro the Cruel to the throne of Castille.

Facts About Edward, the Black Prince

Edward, the Black Prince, was known for his chivalrous behavior and was highly respected for his military leadership during the Hundred Years' War.

He was an accomplished jouster and participated in many tournaments throughout his life, showcasing his skill and bravery.

Edward had a deep love for art and culture, and he supported many artists and poets during his time, contributing to the flourishing of the arts in medieval England.

Despite his reputation as a fierce warrior, Edward was also known for his compassion towards his enemies, often showing mercy and kindness towards those who surrendered to him.

Edward, the Black Prince Biography

You wanted to know

Where did Edward, the Black Prince fight during the Hundred Years' War?

What was Edward, the Black Prince's role in the Battle of Poitiers?

How did Edward, the Black Prince acquire his nickname?

What was the significance of the Battle of Crécy in Edward, the Black Prince's military career?

What was Edward, the Black Prince's impact on English military tactics during the Hundred Years' War?