Gone Medieval King Edward I: Hammer of the Scots
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Aug 29, 2025 Join Andrew Spencer, a Senior tutor at Gonville and Caius College, as he unveils the gripping life of King Edward I. From surviving an assassination attempt to brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward's journey is nothing short of epic. Explore his strategic marriage, military genius, and transformative legal reforms that deeply influenced English governance. Discover the political intricacies of his reign, the challenges he faced, and how his legacy has evolved over time—all framed within the tumultuous backdrop of medieval power struggles.
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Dramatic Origins And Name Choice
- Edward I was born in 1239 during Henry III's troubled reign and named after Edward the Confessor.
- His birth occurs amid drama (an attempted assassination of Henry) that shaped perceptions of his origins.
Physical Presence And Distinctive Features
- Edward (Longshanks) was unusually tall, measured about 6'2" at death and probably taller in youth.
- He combined physical presence with a drooping eye and a lisp yet still projected kingly authority.
Beneficial Long Apprenticeship
- Edward's long apprenticeship meant he learned leadership while not yet king and could make youthful mistakes without fatally harming the realm.
- That experience helped him build trusted networks and avoided armed rebellion during his reign.
