Comments on Edward II: Edward II's Executions Of 1322

Another well reserched post! being as the country...

2009-06-09T22:26:28.023+02:00

Another well reserched post! being as the country had been on the brink of civil war with the Ordainers and Ed at loggerheads, 20 executions is mild, IMO. Execution served as punishment and warning - and Medieval kings would exercise their rights. Ed was so patient, waiting his chance for Lancaster.

Kate - you just reminded me of something I came up...

2009-06-09T19:48:17.432+02:00

Kate - you just reminded me of something I came up with long ago - that many historical factual writers would actually do better writing fiction. Having an MA in creative writing I can definitely say that they would do rather well ;-)

Excellent piece. Speculation presented as fact in...

2009-06-09T17:17:35.618+02:00

Excellent piece. Speculation presented as fact in secondary sources annoys me, too.

"Wrong on both sides" - a succinct summary :-) I think your point that the 20-or-so executions appeared "arbitrary and capricious" may be a very important one. It's a lot easier to get people to join a rebellion if they can't see some sort of logic behind the last round of executions and are therefore afraid they might be in the next. Tends to promote getting your retaliation in first. Edward might have sowed a lot more ill-will with this handful of executions than the plain numbers.

Why would anyone let FACTS stand in the way of a g...

2009-06-09T01:04:23.643+02:00

Why would anyone let FACTS stand in the way of a good story...

I find it fascinating that EVIDENCE can be manipulated to FIT whatever point the author is trying to promote. We have seen it time and time again in historical books that are supposed to be factual - not fiction.

I know the executions appear arbitrary, but I am sure there were many small 'reasons' unknown to history as to why some lives were spared. I am surprised too that the number was not greater. If he had wanted to make a point, Edward could have been much more 'vengeful'.

I agree with Lady D. Great research, and it is appreciated (especially by your fellow historians) that you can take off your rose coloured glasses and view Edward appropriately.

Excellently researched - with many sources used an...

2009-06-08T14:24:38.854+02:00

Excellently researched - with many sources used and quoted - in order to show, objectively, the facts about these executions.

Although twenty or so executions may sound terrible to the modern person, it must be remembered that the Contrariants were actually considered as criminals, guilty of multiple crimes including murder, assault, theft and of course, treason. The biggest surprise is that the numbers executed weren't larger.

The biggest shame is that Fryde's book, which has been shown to be a little economical with the truth at times regarding references and facts, is used as a standard historical tome for Edward's reign.