Cassell's History of England, Vol. 1 (of 8) From the Roman Invasion to the Wars of the Roses
CHAPTER XXIX.
REIGN OF EDWARD II.
Character of the new King--Piers Gaveston--The King's Marriage--Gaveston is Dismissed to Ireland--His Return--Appointment of the Lords Ordainers--Their Reforms--Gaveston Banished--His Reappearance--Rebellion of the Nobles and Death of Gaveston--Successes of Bruce in Scotland--The Battle of Bannockburn--The Establishment of Scottish Independence--Edward Bruce in Ireland--Power of Lancaster--The Despensers--They are Banished--Sudden Activity of the King--Battle of Boroughbridge--The King's Vengeance--Peace with Scotland--Conspiracies against Edward--Machinations of the Queen--She Lands in England--Edward is Deserted and taken Prisoner--Dethronement of Edward--Indignation against Isabella--Murder of Edward--The Lessons of the Reign--Abolition of the Templars 363