ABSTRACT
The later years of Edward III’s reign were a sad anti-climax after the period of his triumphs in war. In place of a thirst for glory the king displayed an appetite for luxury. Indolence replaced activity, and the politician failed to mature into an elder statesman. Yet even in decline, Edward’s abilities should not be underrated. Despite the dismal record of military failure in the 1370s, which led to political crisis in 1376, the power of the crown was restored unimpaired at the close of the reign. Edward had a large family, and in his later years the activities of his sons became increasingly important. As the history of Henry II’s reign showed only too clearly, sons could pose difficult problems for a medieval monarch. Not only was there the probable impatience of the eldest to gain the throne, but there was also the difficulty of providing adequately for the younger sons without weakening the crown in the process. No less than five of Edward’s sons survived to adulthood, and the king’s management of them was remarkably successful.
