Description | Edward I (1239-1307; reigned 1272-1307). Oldest son of Henry III, he saved his father's throne after Simon de Montfort had all but overthrown the monarchy. Edward later went on crusade, but accomplished little; he came home after his father died and set about reorganizing English law. Although a government reformer, he threw away many of his gains by being too aggressive in pursuit of money and power. He died while trying to catch up with Robert Bruce, the king of Scotland whose crown he denied, leaving a vast array of problems to his son Edward II. |