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I have often wondered why Edward I of England is so called when there was Edward the Martyr and Edward the Confessor before him, so can you assist as to why he is not Edward III?

Thank you,

David

? ? ?

Dear David,

The Norman-descended Plantagenets had a quite logical reason for starting to number their Edwards with the first of their line to wear the crown—they did not count their Saxon predecessors as legitimate dynasts, leaving them with their sobriquets but no numbers to imply direct succession.

(Read more about Edward I, “the Warrior King,” at these links.—Editor)
http://www.historynet.com/king-edward-i-englands-warrior-king.htm

http://www.historynet.com/king-edward-i-invasion-of-wales.htm

Sincerely,

 

Jon Guttman
Research Director
World History Group
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