Edward I (1239-1307)

King of England from 1272, son of Henry III (1207-1272). He led the royal forces against Simon de Montfort (the Younger) in the Barons' War of 1264-67, and was on a crusade when he succeeded to the throne. He established English rule over all of Wales in 1282-84, and secured recognition of his overlordship from the Scottish king, although the Scots under Sir William Wallace and Robert (I) the Bruce fiercely resisted actual conquest. His reign saw Parliament move towards its modern form with the Model Parliament of 1295. He married Eleanor of Castile (1245-1290) in 1254 and in 1299 married Margaret, daughter of Philip III of France. He was succeeded by his son Edward II (1284-1327).

Edward built a number of castles, including the northern Welsh Conway castle, Caernarvon castle, Beaumaris castle, and Harlech castle. He was also responsible for building bastides (small fortified towns) to defend the English position in France.