ABSTRACT
King Edward [II] was a handsome man, of outstanding strength, but his behaviour was a very different matter. And, in varying degrees, it was the verdict of the other chroniclers. Treating Edward II’s character and acts as central themes, the contemporary chroniclers deplored Edward’s favouritism, his regard first for Piers Gaveston and then for the younger Hugh Despenser, which led to baronial rebellion. This chronological factor is important because the comparatively late date of Higden’s account of Edward II is by no means exceptional among the authorities for the reign. More typical of the historiography of Edward II’s reign than the monastic chronicles are the works by secular clerks and even one by a layman. Edward on one of his visits to St Albans could scarcely find enough bread for his household. The chronicle ends with an account of Edward II’s ‘voluntary’ abdication.
