3. The Bad King From ‘Braveheart’ Actually Wasn’t That Bad
Edward I (1272 – 1307) is best known today as the short tempered king from Braveheart, who invaded Scotland and wreaked havoc upon the locals for no discernable reason other than to slake his cruelty. In reality, he had been invited into Scotland by that kingdom’s fractious nobles, who wanted him to arbitrate between rival claimants for the throne and choose their next king. He eventually decided to keep Scotland for himself, but few in those days would have done different in his shoes.
While Edward could be pretty ruthless – even outright cruel at times – he was also capable of being likeable and charming. Indeed, until Braveheart wrecked his image, Edward had a pretty good reputation, as the most competent and influential king of the Plantagenet Dynasty. His long list of accomplishments include reforming England’s administration and laws, solidifying the common law, conquering Wales, and unifying Britain under his rule by exercising suzerainty over Scotland.
Edward started doing great stuff while he was still a teenager, when he successfully crushed a rebellion against his hapless father, king Henry III, known as the Second Barons’ War. He then went on a Crusade that solidified his reputation as a capable military commander. While on Crusade, he accomplished the rare feat of fighting off a killer of the Assassins cult, who tried to kill Edward in his sleep.
After becoming king, he spent decades codifying the legal system and ensuring the uniform administration of laws. He was also determined to enforce his primacy over Britain, and started off with Wales, which he subdued and brought into the English legal and administrative framework. He also increased the role of Parliament – not out of any love for democracy, but because he saw Parliament as a useful vessel for raising taxes to fund his military campaigns.