A powerful nobleman who played a crucial role in medieval English politics, serving as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and influencing the country's governance.
Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, is renowned for his pivotal role in the tumultuous reign of King Edward II of England. As a powerful Marcher Lord, he dominated the Welsh Marches and Ireland, exploiting his advantageous marriage to Joan de Geneville, 2nd Baroness Geneville, to amass vast estates and wealth.
Born on April 25, 1287, at Wigmore Castle, Herefordshire, England, Roger Mortimer was the son of Edmund Mortimer, 2nd Baron Mortimer of Wigmore, and Margaret de Fiennes. His maternal lineage boasted impressive connections, including John of Brienne, Emperor of Constantinople and King of Jerusalem, and Llywelyn the Great, a prominent Welsh prince.
In 1316, Mortimer was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, solidifying his influence in the region. However, his growing discontent with King Edward II's rule led him to join the Marcher lords in a revolt against the monarch, known as the Despenser War. Mortimer's actions resulted in his imprisonment in the Tower of London in 1322.
After a daring escape from the Tower, Mortimer fled to France, where he formed an alliance with Queen Isabella, Edward's wife. This union, rumored to be romantic in nature, ultimately led to the successful invasion and rebellion that deposed King Edward II in 1326. Mortimer allegedly orchestrated the king's murder at Berkeley Castle, paving the way for a new ruler.
For three years, Mortimer wielded significant power as de facto ruler of England, governing on behalf of the young King Edward III. During this period, he consolidated his authority, rewarding loyal supporters and crushing opposition.
In 1330, Mortimer's reign came to an abrupt end when he was overthrown by King Edward III, who had grown wary of his regent's accumulated power. Accused of assuming royal authority and other crimes, Mortimer was put on trial, found guilty, and executed by hanging at Tyburn.
Roger Mortimer's complex and multifaceted legacy continues to captivate historians, offering a glimpse into the intrigue, bloodshed, and power struggles that characterized medieval England.
Born in 1284
The king whose disastrous reign led to his eventual deposition and mysterious death, remembered for his alleged homosexual relationships and power struggles with nobles.
Born in 1340
A powerful and wealthy medieval English nobleman, known for his immense influence on English politics and his role in the Hundred Years' War. He was also a patron of the arts and a founder of Trinity College, Cambridge.
