Mortimer

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Edward II | Isabella | Gaveston | Mortimer

Mortimer

(1287-1330)

Roger Mortimer was son of the 2nd Baron Wigmore, and was born at Wigmore castle in Herefordshire. Through marriage to Joan de Geneville while still a teenager, he acquired a series of assets that increased over the next few years following the deaths of family members on both sides.

When Mortimer's father died from a battle wound in 1304, the younger man was still underage and so was placed by then king Edward I under the care of Piers Gaveston. Gaveston was knighted in 1306, the same year that Mortimer came of age, and into his full inheritance.

Among the estates and assests that Mortimer inherited were a number in Ireland. Visiting them in person in order to assert his authority, Mortimer soon found himself in dispute with the de Lacys, who sought support from Edward Bruce, brother of the Scots King Robert. Mortimer was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by Edward II, and at the head of a large army, successfully drove back his opponents.

His positive relationship with Edward II was not to last however, with the ambitiously defiant Mortimer later joining the English Barons in opposition to the unpopular ruler. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, he escaped in 1324 to France, where he met up with the King's embittered Queen Isabella. The two of them embarked on a scandalous affair, and began to orchestrate Edward's downfall.