King Edwards

To many the medieval era is a time in human history filled with chivalrous nights, great battles, and fairy tales beyond one’s greatest imagination. But for historians the medieval times were so much more, with the ability to find historical primary sources we can find that the middle ages were a time of order and great social and economic advancement. While record keeping was not as detailed as it is now the records of the royals of the middle ages are quite significant. Historian A. R Myers cites a significant finding on Edward the Thirds claim on the French throne that illustrates a change in the king’s mentality. The source being cited was found in close roll 43 however the author does not offer any further information. First let’s begin …show more content…
When King Edward the Third did try and claim the French throne in 1337 he was much older and was no longer under the influence of his mother’s authority. Mounting tensions during the hundred years’ war may have also been a leading cause for Edward to act. Now jumping back into the source published by Myers we can see how mounting war tensions are a way an excuse for King Edward to declare himself King of England and of France. One important detail of this decree to point out is that it is stated that not only does the king agree upon his new title but that “all the prelates and magnates and commons of the shires of England, assembled in this present parliament, with the assent of the whole parliament.” Agree that the King of England now has the right to also call himself the king of France. The last significant detail this record reveals is how the king went about solidifying his new title. The king would now sign his name as Edward the Third King of England and France on all letters and seals. By doing this Edward was spreading his message all over Europe that he was taking