Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince

Who was the Black Prince?

Edward of Woodstock was Edward III's son and a leading Hundred Years' War commander, remembered for Crécy, campaigns in Gascony, and his victory at Poitiers.

Edward of Woodstock was the son of Edward III and died before he could succeed his father. He became the first Duke of Cornwall and was created Prince of Wales in 1343. Knighted during the 1346 campaign, he commanded the vanguard at Crécy and took part in the Calais expedition. He later served as the king's lieutenant in Gascony and led a chevauchée into Aquitaine. His best-known victory came at Poitiers, where his army defeated the French and captured John II of France. These achievements established the Black Prince's reputation as a highly successful commander.