He ruled 1327-1377. He laid claim to the throne of France through his mother, starting the 100 years war. He also instituted the Order of the Garter. He was succeeded by his grandson, (the son of Edward, the Black Prince), Richard II.

The fact that Edward III outlived his son and heir left him without an heir of legal age. The descendants of his two younger sons, John, Duke of Lancaster, and Edmund, Duke of York, fought the War of the Roses for succession to the throne.

Reigned 1327-1377. Edward assumed effective power in 1330 after imprisoning
his mother and executing her lover Roger de Mortimer who had murdered his
father; therafter his reign was dominated by military adventures. His victory
in Scotland, especially at Haildon Hill 1333 encouraged him to plan (1363) the
union of England and Scotland. Through his mother he claimed the French throne
thus starting (1337) the Hundred years war. His son John of Gaunt dominated
the government during his last years. Died of a Stroke.