Reigned 1327-1377. Edward assumed effective power in 1330 after imprisoning
his mother and executing her lover Roger de Mortimer who had murdered his
father; therafter his reign was dominated by military adventures. His victory
in Scotland, especially at Haildon Hill 1333 encouraged him to plan (1363) the
union of England and Scotland. Through his mother he claimed the French throne
thus starting (1337) the Hundred years war. His son John of Gaunt dominated
the government during his last years. Died of a Stroke.