Edward I (1207-1307)

Henry III’s Legacy

* Edward inherited a weak monarchy, that had been challenged and undermined by barons through civil wars during Henry III’s reign.
* As well he inherited an uneasy relationship with Wales & France.

Problems Faced upon Edward I’s accession

* A welsh rebellion started, people refused to pay homage to the new king, leading to military campaigns by Edward I which resulted to the defeat of Llywelyn Ap Gruffudd.
* Edward tried to assert his authority over Scotland which led to the War of Scottish Independence.
* Edward faced financial difficulties due to the cost of his military campaigns and constructions of castles, which led to him introducing taxes which resulted in protests

Edward I character as a king

He was a powerful & Infuluencital monarch known for:

* Strong Leadership Qualities
* Sense of Justice
* Highly effective military leader

Implemented legal reforms & established a system of royal justice

Rights & Justice

Edward had sought to standardize & strengthen English law by issuing the statutes of Westminister this led to

* improvement of the administration of justice by establishing regular & professional court.
* increasing number of judges and introducing trials.

The Hundred Rolls

* the purpose of it was to gather information about land ownerships, rents & priveliges, and was part of Edward I’s efforts to centrialize his government.

Robert Burnell

* An administrator, cleric, and an influential statesman
* He oversaw ad managed royal finances and implemented various reforms and granted estates, and privileges, and built castles.

Statutes of Westminister & Mortmain

* The statute of Mortmain restricted the transfer of land to the church without the king’s consent.
* The statue of Westminister

Parliament

* The beginning of representation for commoners, letting them express concerns.
* The model parliament (1295), was a development of the evolution of representation and introducing representatives from the commons

Trade, Towns, Villages

* Trade introduced increased agricultural productivity, improved transportation routes, and establishment of market towns.
* Towns offered opportunities for employment and provided refuge for serfs seeking freedom. towns grew as centers of commerce.
* Villages

Agiculture & Wool Trade

* Agriculture was the economic backbone, with crops being cultivated as well as Livestock farming.
* Wool Trade spurred the growth of market towns, creating wealth for merchants