Edward
the Black Prince

Edward prince of Wales, surnamed the Black Prince, was the son of Edward III. The Black Prince was born in 1330. and accompanying his father to France in 1346, took a leading part in gaining the victory of Crecy. During his stay in France he performed many other acts of heroism, till at length, in 1356, he won the great battle of Poitiers, when he took King John and his son prisoners, and distinguished himself as much by his courtesy to his captives as he had in the field by his unrivalled valour. In 1361 he married Joan, called the Fair Maid of Kent, daughter of the Earl of Kent, and widow, first, of Sir Thomas Holland, and then of the Earl of Salisbury, and was soon after created by his father Prince of Aquitaine. Bordeaux then became the seat of his government. In 1367 he went to the assistance of Pedro the Cruel, king of Castile, who had been dethroned by his brother, Henry of Trastamare. The latter was defeated, and Pedro re-established, but only for a short time. Prince Edward was soon after involved in disputes with his subjects, which occasioned the renewal of war between Francs and England. He died in 1376, aged 45.