Page:History of the Kings and Queens of England.pdf/8

 EDWARD II. This prince was born at Caernarvon, April 25, 1284, and succeeded his father in 1307, at 23 years of age. He seems to have inherited the defects of his father, without his valour or capacity. He was indolent and irresolute; and to a violent attachment to the reigning favourite, he sacrificed every consideration of policy and convenience. In 1327 he was compelled to resign the crown to his son Edward ; and after enduring the greatest indignities, he was barbarously murdered in Berkley Castle, after a reign of 20 years.

In this reign there was the most alarming earthquake that had ever been felt in England; and a famine which lasted three years, and destroyed a great number of people.

EDWARD III, was born November 15, 1312, and was placed on the throne of England, January 26, 1327, while his unfortunate father was living. He was affable, courteous, and eloquent; and was one of the greatest princes that ever swayed the English sceptre, whether he be considered as a warrior, a legislator, a monarch, or a man. The love of glory, however, was his predominant passion, and to this he sometimes sacrificed the interests of his people. He died at Richmond, in Surrey, June 21, 1377, in the 65th year of his age, and the 51st of his reign.

During this reign gold was first coined in England, and the art of weaving silk introduced from Flanders.