Edward Longshanks: The Hammer of the Scots

Listen to this episode from History Profiles on Spotify. Edward Longshanks, towering in stature, earned the title 'Hammer of the Scots' for his relentless campaigns in Scotland. Celebrated by the English as a valiant hero, lawgiver, and warrior king, he is also seen by many as a tyrant known for his cruelty. While many know him from Braveheart, this episode explores his life's entire saga.Before his reign, Edward was known as Lord Edward, the eldest son of Henry III. He became involved in political intrigues early on and embarked on the Ninth Crusade in 1270, known as Lord Edward's Crusade. There, he battled Egyptian Mamluks and the Bahri dynasty and survived assassination attempts, establishing himself as a seasoned warrior.Edward's conquests included Wales and later Scotland, where he attempted to assert feudal authority, sparking the First Scottish War of Independence. An imposing figure, both a soldier and shrewd administrator, Edward was a devout yet feared leader. His achievements include restoring royal authority and establishing Parliament, aiding in the systematic approach to taxation and legal reforms. However, his legacy is tainted by accusations of treachery and a colonial mindset, especially in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.Edward Longshanks remains a complex figure in history, embodying both power and the moral complexities of an era defined by conquest. 00:00: Introduction02:43: Ancestry & Early Life04:57: Marriage & Early Ambitions11:10: Second Barons' War18:21: The Battle of Evesham24:59: Lord Edward's Crusade33:34: Assassination attempt36:59: King of England & Conquest of Wales41:39: First Scottish War of Independence46:57: Scottish Resistance52:22: Death, Legacy & Character #EdwardLongshanks #HammeroftheScots #Englishhistory #Braveheart #NinthCrusade #ScottishWarofIndependence #Walesconquest #medievalhistory #royalauthority #Parliament See show notes: https://inlet.fm/history-profiles/episodes/689e245ff309a7472927ba4e Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices