ABSTRACT
Edward II was one of the most unsuccessful kings ever to rule England. The domestic history of the reign is one of successive political failures punctuated by acts of horrific violence. The opposition achieved no more than the crown; Thomas of Lancaster, the king’s chief antagonist, owed his position to his wealth rather than to his ability, and proved to be no statesman. Personal hatreds and jealousies were more important than constitutional principles, as was demonstrated in the final overthrow of the incompetent king by his queen, Isabella. Yet the reign has its fascination. The failures of a society often reveal its essential character better than the successes, and even this reign was not without its constructive achievements.
