No. 24 Edward II by peggyjdb, on Flickr"Reigned 1307AD - 1327AD
Possible best known for leading England in its defeat at Bannockburn by the Scottish and his friendship with Piers Gaveston.
Edwards relationship with Piers Gaveston has left much debate as to its nature, both in live and death. During his reign the Bishop of Winchester is claimed to have stated that Edward was a "sodomite", a view also noted in the 1390's Meaux Chronicle. It is also possible that they were just very close friends. This close relationship caused problems between Edward and the Earl's and baron's culminating in the execution of Gaveston at the hands of the Earl of Warwick.
In the years to follow Edward was able to gain the support of parliament enabling him to continue the conflict with Scotland, which his father had been involved with. However the conflict with Scotland did not go as well for the young Edward as it had for his father and included the famous victory of the Scottish at Bannockburn.
To add to these troubled years England saw periods of famine then Civil War and then war with France. To add to his woes his wife, Isabella, son Prince Edward and Roger Mortimer invaded England with the aim to overthrow Edward II, which they successfully did. Edward was held captive whilst his son reigned England. Within the year Edward II was died, possibly with some help."