Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March
Early Life and Background
Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, was a prominent English nobleman during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Born on April 25, 1287, at Wigmore Castle in Herefordshire, he was the eldest son of Edmund Mortimer, 2nd Baron Mortimer, and Margaret de Fiennes. The Mortimer family was of Norman descent and had established themselves as powerful Marcher Lords along the Welsh border. This strategic position allowed them to wield significant influence in both England and Wales.
Roger's early life was shaped by the turbulent political landscape of the time, marked by the Welsh Wars and the ongoing conflicts between the English crown and the Welsh princes. His upbringing in the borderlands exposed him to the complexities of medieval warfare and diplomacy, skills that would prove invaluable in his later life.
Rise to Power
Upon the death of his father in 1304, Roger Mortimer inherited the title of Baron Mortimer and the family's extensive estates. His marriage to Joan de Geneville in 1301 further cemented his status, bringing him additional lands and wealth. Joan was the daughter of Piers de Geneville, a prominent landowner with holdings in Ireland and the Welsh Marches.
Mortimer's rise to power was accelerated by his involvement in the Scottish Wars of Independence. He served under King Edward I and later Edward II, demonstrating his military prowess and loyalty to the crown. His participation in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, although a defeat for the English, showcased his commitment to the royal cause.
Conflict with Edward II
Despite his early loyalty, Mortimer's relationship with King Edward II became strained due to the king's favoritism towards the Despenser family. The Despensers, particularly Hugh Despenser the Younger, were seen as corrupt and manipulative, causing widespread discontent among the nobility. Mortimer, along with other barons, opposed their influence and sought to curb their power.
In 1321, Mortimer played a key role in the Despenser War, a baronial revolt against Edward II and the Despensers. The conflict culminated in Mortimer's temporary imprisonment in the Tower of London in 1322. However, he managed to escape to France in 1323, where he began plotting against the king.
Alliance with Isabella of France
While in France, Mortimer formed a strategic alliance with Isabella of France, the estranged wife of Edward II. Isabella, disillusioned with her husband's rule and the Despensers' influence, sought to depose Edward and secure the throne for her son, the future Edward III. Mortimer and Isabella's partnership was both political and personal, as they became lovers during their exile.
In 1326, Mortimer and Isabella launched an invasion of England, gathering support from disaffected nobles and the general populace. Their campaign was successful, leading to the capture and forced abdication of Edward II in 1327. Mortimer's influence was instrumental in the subsequent coronation of Edward III, although the young king's reign was initially dominated by Mortimer and Isabella.
Rule as De Facto Ruler
Following Edward II's deposition, Mortimer effectively became the de facto ruler of England, wielding power through his close relationship with Queen Isabella. He was granted the title of Earl of March in 1328, further legitimizing his authority. However, his rule was marked by controversy and accusations of corruption, as he enriched himself and his supporters at the expense of the crown.
Mortimer's dominance was short-lived, as his overreach and arrogance alienated many of his former allies. His execution of Edmund, Earl of Kent, in 1330, for allegedly plotting to restore Edward II, was particularly unpopular and contributed to his downfall.
Downfall and Execution
In October 1330, a coup led by the young Edward III resulted in Mortimer's arrest at Nottingham Castle. The king, eager to assert his authority and free himself from Mortimer's influence, charged him with treason. Mortimer was swiftly tried and executed by hanging at Tyburn on November 29, 1330, marking the end of his tumultuous career.
Legacy
Roger Mortimer's legacy is complex, as he is both celebrated for his role in the overthrow of Edward II and criticized for his subsequent governance. His actions set the stage for the eventual rise of Edward III, who would go on to become one of England's most successful medieval monarchs. Mortimer's descendants continued to play significant roles in English history, with his great-grandson, Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March, becoming a key figure in the Wars of the Roses.