EDWARD III., eldest son of Edward II. and Isabella of France; born in 1312, succeeded to the throne on the deposition of his father. Though a regency was appointed, the chief power was held by the queen and her paramour, Roger Mor timer, Earl of March. In 1330, Edward assumed the government, had Mortimer seized and hanged, and imprisoned Queen Isabella. In 1333 he invaded Scotland, and defeated the regent at Halidon Hill. The greater war with France soon withdrew his attention from Scotland. He assumed the title of King of France, invaded the country from Flan ders, but without any successful result, renewed the invasion in 1340, when he defeated the French fleet at Sluys, be sieged Tournay, and concluded a truce. The war was renewed, and another truce made in 1343, to be broken the following year. In 1346 he won the great victory of Crecy, took Calais in 1347, and con cluded another truce. During his ab sence in France, the Scots invaded Eng land, and were defeated at Nevil's Cross, David II. being taken prisoner. In 1356 Edward the Black Prince invaded France, and gained the victory of Poi tiers, taking the French king and his son prisoners. The king was released after
four years, on the conclusion of the peace of Bretigny. David of Scotland was released for a heavy ransom in 1357. War broke out again with France in 1369, and in 1373 John of Gaunt marched without resistance from Calais to Bor deaux. The long wars of Edward III., though almost fruitless of practical re sult, appear to have been popular; and his numerous parliaments granted lib eral supplies for carrying them on, gain ing in return confirmations of the Great and other charters, and many valuable concessions. His victories raised the spirit and also the fame of his country, •nd with the evident military power of England grew also her commerce and manufactures. In this reign Wyclif be gan his assault on the Church of Rome; the Order of the Garter was instituted; cannon began to be used in war; and the first English gold coin was struck. Ed ward died in Shene, now Richmond, June 21, 1377. By his queen Philippa, daugh ter of William III., Count of Holland and Hainault, he had six sons and five daughters.