Edward III

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Edward III (1312–77) King of England (1327–77), son and successor of Edward II. For the first three years of his reign, Edward was king in name only: his mother, Isabella, and Roger Mortimer wielded all political power. In 1330, Edward mounted a successful coup. He conducted inconclusive wars with Scotland, but the outbreak (1337) of the Hundred Years' War dominated his reign. Edward led several campaigns to France, won a famous victory at Crécy (1346), and claimed the title King of France – although only conquering Calais. Parliament divided into two Houses, and permanently sited at Westminster. In old age, his sons, Edward the Black Prince and John of Gaunt, took over government. His grandson, Richard II, succeeded him.

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Edward III

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