ABSTRACT

Following Gaveston’s murder, Edward relied mainly on Pembroke for support, but after Bannockburn, Pembroke’s reputation and influence were much diminished for a period. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, was killed at Bannockburn leaving no male heir, and the Earl of Warwick died in the following year. This left Thomas of Lancaster without a serious rival among the magnates, and he lost no time in turning this to advantage in his dealings with the king.