King Edward I is considered to be one of the greatest English monarchs of the medieval age. So, what makes Edward a hero or villain? Well, the Macquarie Concise Dictionary states a hero as a person of distinguished courage, whilst a villain is defined as a wicked or evil person. King Edward I falls under both these titles.
Edward was famed for initiating wars. In 1296, he fearlessly attacked Scotland and defeated them, causing bloodshed. In revenge, the famed William Wallace, rebelled against English rule in 1297, but he was executed in 1304. This is noted by Morris (2008), “William Wallace - was ripped to pieces in public”. Moreover, he invaded north Wales in 1277 and executed the Prince of Wales and his brother.
In addition to Edward's infamy, he imposed heavy taxes on his own people due to the fighting in France and Scotland. He was discriminative against Jews, forcing them out of England and stripping them of their wealth, in 1290.
But with the concept of the yin and yang, there is always bad in good and good in bad.
Not only did Edward conquer Wales, but he built castles, introduced the shire system and laid the foundations of the English law their too.
In 1268, he joined Louis 9ths second crusade against the Muslims, fighting for Christianity. This portrays his gallantries that are typical features of a noble hero.
Edward created a strong, central government by modifying the confusing English common law system through 1275 to 1290. Carlton (2000) stated “He strengthened the crown and parliament against the old feudal nobility”. Edward encouraged Parliament as a forum for redressing grievances and securing assent to the collection for taxes. This earned him the name, “English Justinian.”
Therefore, in spite of King Edward I's villain-like characteristics, his heroic traits far outweigh his notoriety. As Britannia states “a leader with energy and vision and with a formidable temper.” His skills and bold personality were unsurpassed by any other king of the medieval age. He will, in my opinion, remain a hero.
