1327-1377 Great Britain Edward III Silver Halfpenny – aVF

Edward III: The King Who Made England Roar

From Castle to Crown

Edward III was born on 13 November 1312 at Windsor Castle, son of Edward II and Isabella of France. His early years were far from peaceful. His mother, unimpressed by Edward II’s weak reign (and possibly his choice of favourites), teamed up with her lover, Roger Mortimer, to overthrow the king. By 1327, Edward II was forced to abdicate, and his 14-year-old son was crowned king.

Young King, Old Tricks

At first, Mortimer and Isabella ruled on Edward’s behalf. However, young Edward wasn’t content to be a puppet. In 1330, he staged a daring coup, arrested Mortimer, and took control of the throne at just 17. Not a bad start for someone still growing a beard.

Pre-Treaty Glory: War, Wool, and Weapons

Edward wasted no time in stirring up conflict. By 1337, he claimed the French crown through his mother’s lineage, kicking off the Hundred Years’ War. To fund it, he boosted England’s wool trade and taxed his nobles just enough to avoid rebellion. In 1346, Edward won big at Crécy, a battle where English longbowmen shredded French knights like wet parchment. Then came Calais, a valuable port he captured and held for over 200 years.

Treaty Time and Troubles

After years of victories, the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 gave England a hefty chunk of French land and a fat ransom for the captured French king. It should’ve been the cherry on top, but Edward’s later years were less triumphant. His beloved wife, Philippa of Hainault, died, and his once-brilliant court became corrupt and sluggish.

A Prince Lost and a Crown in Crisis

Edward’s eldest son, the celebrated Black Prince, died in 1376—just one year before Edward himself. This left the throne to his grandson, Richard II, a boy king surrounded by scheming uncles and political chaos. The mighty monarchy Edward had built began to wobble.

Lasting Legacy

Edward III left behind a vision of English kingship steeped in chivalry, military might, and national pride. He founded the Order of the Garter, revived Parliament, and made England a genuine European powerhouse. Despite the cracks at the end, his reign roared with ambition—and left echoes that shaped a nation.

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