Edward the Black Prince
Prince of Wales; Prince of Aquitaine
“It is not yet time for me to die, and God will not have it so.”Attribution unverified
Biography
The Black Prince was the most celebrated English warrior of his age — a living embodiment of chivalric ideals who also won two of the war's most decisive battles. His nickname is thought to derive from his black armor or shield. At sixteen he commanded the right wing at Crécy; at twenty-six he captured the King of France at Poitiers. His brutal sack of Limoges in 1370 — where he ordered the massacre of the town's population — stands in grim contrast to his chivalric reputation. He died of illness before his father, never becoming king.
Did you know?
After John the Blind of Bohemia died at Crécy fighting for France, the Black Prince adopted his crest — three ostrich feathers with the motto 'Ich Dien' (I serve) — which remains the motto and badge of the Prince of Wales to this day.
Key Battles
Battle of Crécy
England victoryAugust 26, 1346 · ~4,300 total casualties
Crécy demonstrated the effectiveness of disciplined infantry, field preparation, and massed longbow fire against repeated mounted attacks. It was a major defeat for the French aristocratic host, but armored cavalry and chivalric warfare continued for generations.
Battle of Poitiers
England victorySeptember 19, 1356 · ~5,500 total casualties
The capture of the French king made Poitiers one of the most consequential engagements of the entire war. The ensuing Treaty of Brétigny (1360) gave England enormous territorial gains in exchange for John's release. It was the high-water mark of English success in the first phase of the war and reinforced the longbow's supremacy over armored cavalry.
Life Journey
Timeline
June 15, 1330
🌅 Birth
Born at Woodstock Palace, Oxfordshire
August 26, 1346
⚔️ Battle
Commands right wing at Crécy, age 16; earns his spurs
September 19, 1356
⚔️ Battle
Defeats and captures King John II of France at Poitiers
September 1370
⚔️ Battle
Sacks Limoges after a brief siege; orders civilian massacre
June 8, 1376
✝️ Death
Dies at Westminster from prolonged illness, age 45