Edward the Black Prince

Edward, the Black Prince (Woodstock Palace, Oxfordshire, 15 June 1330 – Westminster Palace, 8 June 1376) was the eldest son of King Edward III of England. He was elevated Duke of Cornwall in 1337.

Edward the Black Prince
Portrait, c. 1430s
Prince of Wales
Reign	15 June 1330 - 8 June 1376
Created	12 May 1343
Predecessor	Edward of Caernarfon
Successor	Richard of Bordeaux
Born	15 June 1330
Died	8 June 1376 (aged 45)
Spouse	Joan of Kent (m. 1361)
Issue	Edward of Angoulême Richard II of England Roger Clarendon (ill.[a])
Father	Edward III of England

The Black Prince's coat of arms, as heir-apparent to the English throne.

Effigy on tomb of Edward in Canterbury Cathedral

Edward was born at Woodstock Palace, near Oxford. He was made Prince of Wales in 1343 and followed his father into battle against France. He became a famous soldier by helping to win the Battle of Crécy and commanding the Battle of Poitiers. He was a founding member of the Order of the Garter. In 1361, he married his cousin, Joan of Kent. They had two sons, Edward and Richard. The older son, Edward, died when he was only six.

Edward of Woodstock has become known in history as "the Black Prince". The nickname first appeared in print about 165 years after his death. He is thought to have dipped his armour in tar to stop it rusting, and is known to have used a black shield at times. He died at the age of 45 and was buried at the Canterbury Cathedral. As his father was still living, he never became king himself. He asked his father to give the title Prince of Wales to his son Richard, who later became King Richard II of England.

Notes

1. illegitimate