Edward the Black Prince

 NAME Prince Edward of Woodstock KG, better known as Edward the Black Prince 

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Edward was a renowned military leader and the eldest son of King Edward III. He played a key role in the Hundred Years' War, particularly at the Battle of Crécy (1346) and the Battle of Poitiers (1356), where he captured the French king. He was also the first Duke of Cornwall, making him the first English duke in history.

BIRTH Edward was born on June 15, 1330, at Woodstock Palace, Oxfordshire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Edward was the eldest son of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainault. His lineage placed him as heir to the English throne, but he died before his father, making his son, Richard II, the next king.

CHILDHOOD Edward was raised at the Palace of Westminster, where he was surrounded by England’s nobility and educated in both warfare and courtly manners.

Edward began his military career at the age of 16 during his father's campaign in Normandy. At the Battle of Crécy, when a messenger informed Edward III that his was deeply engaged in combat and facing danger, the king refused to intervene. Instead, he famously declared, "Let the boy win his spurs."

EDUCATION Edward was given a princely education, which included lessons in chivalry, governance, and military strategy. He was trained in swordsmanship, tactics, and leadership from a young age.

CAREER RECORD 1337 – Created Duke of Cornwall, the first duke in English history.

1346 – Battle of Crécy: At just 16 years old, he played a crucial role in England’s victory. 

1355  - Appointed his Father's Lieutenant in Gascony

1356 – Battle of Poitiers: Led the English forces to a decisive victory and captured the French King John II.

1362 – Made Prince of Aquitaine, ruling over English-controlled lands in France.

Edward is granted Aquitaine by his father King Edward III. 

1370 – Led the Siege of Limoges, which resulted in the city’s brutal sack.

1372 - The sick and broken Edward formally surrenders his French principality to his father

APPEARANCE Edward was described as having striking blond hair and blue eyes, typical of his Plantagenet lineage, and was noted for being strong-limbed from birth. He was tall and well-built, with a strong and commanding presence befitting a warrior prince.

Edward as a Knight of the Garter, 1453, illustration from the Bruges Garter Book

FASHION His clothing reflected his noble status, favoring luxurious fabrics and embroidered tunics.

Edward was known for wearing black armor, which is often cited as the origin of his nickname "Black Prince". There is no contemporary evidence that he was called "Black Prince" during his lifetime; this nickname emerged later, likely in the 16th century

He also used a coat of arms featuring three ostrich feathers on a black background, a symbol still associated with the Prince of Wales today

CHARACTER Edward was courageous, ambitious, and fiercely chivalrous. He was both respected and feared for his leadership in battle but was also known to be ruthless, particularly in his treatment of the French during the war.

SPEAKING VOICE Accounts suggest Edward had a deep, commanding voice that inspired loyalty in his troops and respect at court.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Edward was known for his charismatic and chivalrous nature. As a leader deeply embedded in courtly and military life, he likely enjoyed the jesting and playful banter that were a staple of medieval courts. His ability to inspire loyalty among his men suggests he possessed charm and wit, qualities that endeared him to both soldiers and nobles alike.

RELATIONSHIPS Edward was raised alongside his cousin, Joan of Kent, and had admired her from an early age. When Joan became widowed in 1360, Edward swiftly announced their betrothal. Their marriage on October 10, 1361 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, caused controversy due to Joan's previous complicated marital history and their familial ties. Both the king and queen were in attendance and  The Archbishop of Canterbury presided.

Edward sought and received papal approval from Pope Innocent VI for the union. Despite this, their relationship was evidently strong, and they had two sons together, Edward (who died in infancy) and Richard, who would later become Richard II of England.

Joan of Kent

MONEY AND FAME Edward’s titles and holdings provided him with an impressive income of £8,600 per year, a considerable sum for the time. His court in Bordeaux, where he ruled as Prince of Aquitaine from 1362, was known for its extravagance. However, his lavish spending and taxation policies alienated many of his subjects. His attempt to recoup costs after financing the restoration of Peter the Cruel to the Castilian throne led to rebellion among the barons of Aquitaine. Despite his military successes, his financial difficulties tarnished his rule.

FOOD AND DRINK Like most nobility of the time, Edward would have enjoyed feasts featuring roasted meats, fish, and exotic spices brought from trade routes. Wine was a staple of the medieval aristocratic diet, and as ruler of Aquitaine, a major wine-producing region, he would have had access to some of the finest vintages. His status ensured that he dined well, though little personal information survives about his specific tastes in food and drink.

Following the intense fighting at Poitiers in 1356, the Black Prince had concluded the day's engagements and was resting with his lords. At this juncture, King John II of France, now a captive, was brought before him. The Prince courteously received the defeated monarch into his tent, where they engaged in conversation regarding the day's events, accompanied by wine. Subsequently, King John and his principal men were hosted by Edward at a banquet. The Prince personally served his royal adversary at table, demonstrating a gesture of chivalry, before the King was escorted to London

MUSIC AND ARTS As a chivalric leader, Edward would have been exposed to the music and arts of his time, particularly courtly songs performed by troubadours and minstrels. His court in Bordeaux likely played host to musicians and poets who celebrated his military victories and noble lineage. The traditions of chivalry, which he upheld, were deeply intertwined with medieval literature and the performance of heroic tales.

LITERATURE Edward lived during a flourishing period of medieval literature, with works such as Geoffrey Chaucer’s early writings emerging towards the end of his lifetime. While there is no record of Edward being a patron of literature, he was deeply embedded in the chivalric culture that celebrated heroic knights in tales of valor and romance. His own deeds in battle would have made him a figure of legendary storytelling in his own time.

NATURE Although Edward spent much of his life engaged in warfare and politics, medieval noblemen often had a connection to the land through hunting, falconry, and other rural pastimes. As Prince of Aquitaine, he ruled over vast lands in France, where the natural landscape would have played a significant role in his leisure and governance.

PETS As a nobleman and warrior, it is likely Edward had hunting dogs and possibly falcons, which were common among aristocrats of the time. Hunting was both a sport and a display of status, and noble families often kept well-trained animals for this purpose.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Edward was an accomplished knight and excelled in the martial arts of the time. Jousting and hunting were both popular activities among the nobility, and Edward, as a celebrated warrior, would have engaged in both. His reputation on the battlefield suggests he was highly skilled in combat training, swordsmanship, and strategy, making war itself one of his dominant pursuits.

Image of Edward the Black Prince jousting

SCIENCE AND MATHS The medieval period was not known for widespread scientific advancements, but military leaders like Edward relied on mathematics for battlefield strategy, castle fortifications, and siege warfare. Engineering skills were critical for planning military campaigns, particularly for understanding logistics and the construction of siege weapons. Edward’s successful campaigns suggest he had a keen understanding of such concepts, even if he was not a scholar in the formal sense.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Edward was raised in a deeply religious society, and like many medieval knights, he adhered to the ideals of chivalry, which blended Christian values with martial prowess. His devotion to Saint George, the patron saint of England, was evident in his membership in the Order of the Garter, founded by his father, King Edward III. 

His tomb at Canterbury Cathedral bears an inscription in Latin, reflecting on the fleeting nature of earthly power and the importance of faith.

POLITICS Edward the Black Prince demonstrated significant political acumen and negotiation skills, particularly in his dealings with European powers. Here are some key examples:

Treaty of Brétigny (1360): Edward played a crucial role in negotiating this treaty, which was highly favorable to England. Ratified on October 24, 1360, the treaty secured English territorial gains in France and led to Edward III renouncing his claim to the French throne in exchange for sovereignty over these territories.

Agreements with Charles of Navarre and Peter of Castile: Edward negotiated agreements allowing his troops to pass through Navarre and supported Peter of Castile in his claim to the throne. These negotiations involved financial and territorial concessions, showcasing his ability to navigate complex international alliances.

Governance in Aquitaine and Gascony: As Prince of Aquitaine and Gascony, Edward managed these territories effectively, implementing administrative structures that reflected a "colonial" approach, indicating his political and administrative skills. However, Edward's heavy taxation policies in Aquitaine led to discontent among the local nobility, foreshadowing the region’s later resistance to English rule.

His marriage to Joan of Kent, an English noblewoman, was seen as a missed opportunity to secure a foreign alliance. 

SCANDAL Edward’s marriage to Joan of Kent was controversial due to her complicated marital history. Before marrying Edward, she had been involved in a legal dispute over her previous marriages, which some saw as improper. Additionally, his decision to marry an Englishwoman rather than forming a strategic foreign alliance was met with criticism.

 His rule in Aquitaine was also marred by allegations of excess and mismanagement, with his lavish spending alienating many of his subjects.

MILITARY RECORD Edward the Black Prince was, by all accounts, an absolute nightmare for the French but a dream come true for England. His military career reads like a medieval action movie, packed with daring charges, audacious victories, and enough battlefield drama to fill several epic sagas. Here are some of his greatest hits:

Battle of Crécy (August 26, 1346) – Imagine being 16 years old and thrust into one of the most pivotal battles of the Hundred Years' War. Edward wasn’t just there for decoration; he was leading the vanguard, directing troops, and dodging arrows like a seasoned commander. When a worried messenger suggested to King Edward III that maybe his teenage son needed rescuing, the king famously waved him off with, “Let the boy win his spurs.” Which, loosely translated, meant, “He’ll be fine, and if he’s not, well, that’s character building.” Spoiler: Edward was more than fine—the English decimated the French forces, marking one of their most lopsided victories.

Battle of Poitiers (September 19, 1356) – If Crécy was Edward’s breakout performance, Poitiers was his magnum opus. Outnumbered and facing the full force of the French army under King John II, Edward pulled off one of history’s great battlefield heists. Not only did he win, but he personally captured the French king and his son, Philip the Bold, and then—because he was nothing if not dramatic—sat them down for a feast while they waited to be ransomed. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “to the victor go the spoils”, Edward took that quite literally.

Battle of Winchelsea (August 29, 1350) – Not content with just wiping the floor with the French on land, Edward also turned his attention to naval warfare. In this battle against a Castilian fleet in the English Channel, he demonstrated his adaptability as a commander, proving he could win both on horseback and at sea.

Battle of Nájera (April 3, 1367) – Ever the helpful friend (if "helpful" means bringing an army), Edward marched into Spain to reinstate his pal Peter of Castile to the throne. He won, naturally, but Peter—true to his nickname “The Cruel”—decided gratitude was overrated and refused to repay Edward’s expenses. This led to financial troubles, a rather nasty revolt in Aquitaine, and the Black Prince likely muttering under his breath about never lending money to friends again.

Below is The Battle of Nájera from a fifteenth-century manuscript of Froissart's Chronicles. The English and Peter of Castile are on the left.

Edward was an early adopter of one of medieval England’s greatest weapons: the longbow. His archers at Crécy and Poitiers decimated enemy ranks before they even got close, giving the English a massive battlefield advantage.

While Edward had a reputation for knightly chivalry, he also had a habit of doing things that would make a modern PR team cringe—such as burning down towns and executing prisoners. This slightly tarnished his otherwise gleaming reputation as an all-around noble guy.

Love him or fear him (and many did both), Edward was one of the most brilliant military leaders of his era. His victories secured England’s dominance in the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War, cementing his place in history as one of the greatest knights of all time.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Like many Plantagenets, Edward had a large frame and was physically imposing. His health, however, began deteriorating in his later years. He contracted dysentery during his 1366 campaign in Spain, a condition that would plague him for the rest of his life. By 1371, his health had worsened to the point where his physicians urged him to return to England. He suffered frequent fainting spells and severe weakness until his death.

HOMES As heir to the English throne, Edward resided in some of the grandest royal residences, including Windsor Castle. From 1362, he ruled from Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine, where his court was known for its extravagance. He later returned to England due to ill health, spending his final years at Westminster Palace.

TRAVEL Edward traveled extensively throughout his life, mainly due to military campaigns. He fought in France, Spain, and various parts of England. His journey to Castile in 1366, intended to restore King Peter the Cruel to the throne, marked one of his last major expeditions. His return to England in 1371 signified the end of his active role in foreign affairs.

DEATH Edward’s health continued to decline, and he frequently collapsed from weakness. He died on June 8, 1376, at Westminster Palace, a year before his father, Edward III, meaning he never became king. He was buried at Canterbury Cathedral, near the shrine of Thomas Becket, a testament to his piety. His tomb, featuring a bronze effigy in full armor, remains one of the most famous medieval royal burials.

Edward's tomb in Canterbury Cathedral by Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Edward the Black Prince has made various appearances in media over the years, often depicted as a chivalric hero, a fearsome warrior, or a larger-than-life medieval legend. Here are some notable portrayals:

1. Literature  Shakespeare’s Richard II (1595) – Though Edward himself doesn’t appear in the play, his legacy looms large. His son, Richard II, struggles to live up to his father’s reputation, and his absence is a key reason why England’s power wanes under Richard’s rule.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sir Nigel (1906) and The White Company (1891) – These novels portray Edward as an idealized, noble knight, embodying chivalry and battlefield prowess. Doyle, better known for Sherlock Holmes, had a great admiration for the Black Prince and presents him as a nearly flawless hero.

Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper (1881) – Though not a central figure, Edward is referenced in discussions about English royal history.

2, Film and Television 

The Dark Avenger (1955) – Portrayed by Errol Flynn, Edward is depicted as a dashing knight who fights against the French to protect England’s claim to Aquitaine. This is classic swashbuckling Flynn, complete with dramatic sword fights and romanticized heroism.

A Knight’s Tale (2001) – While the film is more of a medieval rock concert than a historical epic, it features a fictionalized version of Edward, played by James Purefoy. In this interpretation, Edward is a just and honorable figure who rewards Heath Ledger’s character for his bravery and sense of fair play.

BBC’s Edward the Black Prince: The King Who Never Was (2005) – This documentary explores his military career, legacy, and the mystery behind the origins of his famous nickname.

3. Video Games

Age of Empires II (1999, Definitive Edition 2019) – Edward appears in the game as a playable hero character, leading English forces in historical campaigns. His name is attached to one of the most powerful units in the game.

Total War series (various entries) – He is frequently featured as a key general or ruler in medieval campaigns, often depicted with high combat skills and strong leadership traits.

Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War (2007) – This strategy game places Edward at the heart of the conflict, leading English troops in the war against France.

4. Popular culture and legacy 

The Black Prince’s famous three ostrich feathers crest, awarded to him after the Battle of Crécy, continues to be a symbol of the Prince of Wales. The phrase “a feather in one’s cap” is believed to have originated from this.

ACHIEVEMENTS Battle of Crécy (1346): Distinguished himself and received his iconic three-feather crest.

Battle of Poitiers (1356): Captured the French king and secured a decisive victory.

Order of the Garter: One of the earliest members of England’s highest order of chivalry.

Prince of Aquitaine (1362): Governed a vast territory in France.

Legacy as a Military Leader: One of England’s greatest medieval warriors, influencing generations of military strategy.