Edmund Crouchback

Edmund Crouchback, born on January sixteenth, twelve forty-five, was a prominent member of the royal Plantagenet Dynasty and the founder of the House of Lancaster. As the second surviving son of King Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence, he was the younger brother of King Edward I. His early involvement in the 'Sicilian business' at the tender age of nine set the stage for a life steeped in political intrigue and conflict.

Edmund's loyalty to his brother Edward was evident as he supported the royal government during the Second Barons' War, which culminated in the defeat of the baronage at the Battle of Evesham in twelve sixty-five. Following this victory, he was granted the lands and titles of the defeated barons, becoming the Earl of Leicester, Lancaster, and Derby. His rise to power made him one of the most influential barons in England.

His military endeavors included accompanying Edward on a crusade to the Holy Land, where he earned the epithet 'Crouchback' due to the stitched cross he wore on his garments. After the death of his first wife, Aveline de Forz, Edmund's second marriage to Blanche of Artois, the Countess of Champagne, further solidified his political alliances. He governed Champagne in the name of his stepdaughter Joan until she reached maturity.

Edmund's diplomatic skills were put to the test when King Philip IV of France demanded Edward's presence in Paris over charges against English mariners. He successfully negotiated a temporary agreement, but tensions escalated, leading to a military confrontation. Unfortunately, during his campaign in Gascony, Edmund fell ill and passed away in twelve ninety-six. His remains were returned to England, where he was interred in Westminster Abbey in thirteen oh one.