The Plantagenets: Part 1307-1399 - The Half Hour Histories

The Plantagenets, a royal dynasty that ruled England from the 12th to the 15th centuries, were one of the most fascinating and influential families in European history. Their reign saw the consolidation of England as a unified kingdom, the establishment of the English legal system, and the famous Hundred Years' War against France. In this article, we will delve into the era of the Plantagenets from 1307 to 1399, exploring the key events and notable figures that shaped this period.

Edward II and the Rise of Despenser

The era of Plantagenets during this time period began with Edward II ascending the throne in 1307. However, his reign was marked by political instability and the influence of his favorites, particularly the Despenser family. Hugh Despenser the Younger, in particular, gained significant power and influence over the king, leading to unrest among the nobility and ultimately his downfall.

Edward II's inability to quell these tensions resulted in rebellion led by his wife, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer. They successfully ousted Edward II and placed his young son, Edward III, on the throne. This event marked a pivotal moment in Plantagenet history, as Edward III's reign would usher in a period of political and military resurgence for England.

The Plantagenets Part 2: 1307-1399 (Half Hour Histories)

by Harold Green(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	15 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Black Death and Joan of Kent

The 14th century was a tumultuous time for Europe, and England was not spared from the ravages of the Black Death. This deadly pandemic, which arrived in England in 1348, decimated the population and had far-reaching socio-economic consequences. The Plantagenets, including Edward III and his descendants, had to navigate these challenging times.

One key figure during this period was Joan of Kent, a fascinating and influential woman who played a significant role in Plantagenet history. Known as the "Fair Maid of Kent," she was the mother of Richard II and played a pivotal role in the politics and succession struggles of the time. Her marriage to Edward, the Black Prince, further solidified her position within the royal family.

The Hundred Years' War and the Triumphs of Henry V

Perhaps one of the most defining moments of the Plantagenet era was the Hundred Years' War, a protracted conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. This conflict saw England under Plantagenet rule attempting to assert its claims to the French throne, leading to significant military campaigns and diplomatic maneuvers.

During this period, the Plantagenet king Henry V achieved notable victories on the battlefield, most notably at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. His military successes brought England closer to victory but also posed challenges in terms of governing the captured territories and managing strained financial resources.

The Decline of the Plantagenets

By the late 14th century, the Plantagenet dynasty faced internal strife and external challenges that would ultimately contribute to its decline. The reign of Richard II, a grandson of Edward III, was marred by political unrest and power struggles among the nobility.

Richard II's unpopular policies and his confrontation with the powerful House of Lancaster resulted in his overthrow and the subsequent ascension of Henry IV. This marked the beginning of the Lancastrian dynasty, which would eventually lead to the end of the Plantagenet era.

The Legacy of the Plantagenets

Despite the eventual downfall of the Plantagenets, their influence and legacy endure to this day. They laid the foundations of English kingship and left a lasting impact on the legal and political systems of England. Their reign witnessed the emergence of defining figures like Edward III and Henry V, who played significant roles in shaping the destiny of the nation.

The Half Hour Histories series by The Plantagenets provides a concise and engaging overview of this fascinating era. By exploring the key events and historical figures of the time, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between power, politics, and dynasty during this crucial period in English history.

So buckle up and immerse yourself in The Plantagenets: Part 1307-1399 - The Half Hour Histories, and embark on a journey through a captivating era that shaped the destiny of England!

The Plantagenets Part 2: 1307-1399 (Half Hour Histories)

by Harold Green(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	15 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Enjoy History? Bored of dusty old History books? This book is the book for you.
A no-nonsense, whistle-stop tour through the Kings and Queens of England, starting with the Normans and ending with the Tudors, is the first instalment of the Half Hour Histories series.
Are you English and worried you don’t know enough about your own history? Or are you a reader from the rest of the world and intrigued about the rich history of the English Royal families? This is the series for you.
In half an hour or less you will be up to speed on one of England’s great royal families. No pretentious or unclear language, Harold Green is looking to give History back to the people.
Life is too busy nowadays to spend hours and hours reading books, with each book taking you under half an hour you could foreseeably cover 100 years in as little as 15 minutes. Brush up on your knowledge; impress your family, friends and colleagues – all in under half an hour.