Edward Longshanks

Edward Longshanks was the nickname of Edward I of England, who ruled from 1272 to 1307. He was called Longshanks because he was tall and had long legs. Edward I is remembered for strengthening the English crown, creating important legal reforms, and leading military campaigns that changed the shape of the British Isles.

Edward was born in 1239 as the eldest son of King Henry III. As a prince, he learned how rulers worked with nobles. A noble is a high-ranking landowner who supported the king in return for land and privileges. Edward also traveled on a crusade, which was a military journey by European rulers to the Middle East. These experiences prepared him for ruling a large kingdom.

When Edward became king, he worked to improve the legal system. A legal system is a group of rules used to judge crimes and settle disputes. Edward created new laws called statutes, which are written laws made by a government. The Statute of Westminster helped organize court procedures, while the Statute of Winchester improved local law enforcement. These reforms helped make the laws more organized and clearer for people of the kingdom.

Edward is well known for his conquest of Wales. A conquest is when land is taken by force. Welsh princes resisted English rule, but after several campaigns, Edward defeated them. To secure control, he built strong stone castles such as Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech. He then gave his son the title "Prince of Wales", starting a tradition that continues today for the heir to the English throne.

Edward also led long wars in Scotland. These wars began when Scottish leaders disagreed about who should become king. Edward tried to choose the ruler, which created conflict. A Scottish leader named William Wallace resisted Edward’s control, and later Robert the Bruce continued the struggle. Wallace led resistance, which means refusing to accept control, and fought English forces in several battles. Although Edward planned more campaigns, he died in 1307 before the wars ended.

Edward Longshanks left a lasting impact on England. His laws shaped the legal system, and his military actions changed the borders of the kingdom. Students today study Edward I to understand how medieval kings ruled through law, alliances, and warfare, and how their choices affected the future of their countries.