3 minute read
Local History
local history by Stephen Guy
History in Stone
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Edward III (1312 - 1377) was just 15 when he came to the throne - his 50-year reign brought many changes throughout his kingdom and abroad. The boy king was crowned after his father, Edward II - a weak monarch easily led by favourites - was deposed and murdered.
The new king soon married: his Flanders bride Philippa of Hainault was just 14. Teenager Edward soon exerted his authority by ordering the arrest and execution of powerful baron Roger de Mortimer. Edward’s mother, Queen Isabella - Mortimer’s lover - was banished to a castle where she spent the last 28 years of her life. England’s kings and queens claimed the French throne for centuries after they lost territories - the claim was only finally abandoned in1802. The Hundred Years War with France began in 1337, ostensibly to support Edward’s claim. In reality, the war was to retain Gascony and the lucrative Bordeaux wine trade. Edward also wanted to protect the wool trade - England was a huge exporter of the commodity. England took control of the Channel after her ships won the Battle of Sluys (1340). Edward achieved stunning victories over France at Crecy and Poitiers. His eldest son Edward, the Black Prince, gained huge fame during the period when Calais was seized from the French - it remained in English control for a century. Other milestones in Edward III’s eventful reign included: the creation of two houses of parliament, magistrates and English replaced French in the law courts. Very little survives from this period, swept away long ago as the demands of life changed. Woolton Cross is believed to date from about 1350. Our main picture shows it unrestored in 1909 while the other view (inset) dates from about 60 years ago. The Black Death pandemic peaked between 1348 - 50 - an outbreak of bubonic plague killing about a third of England’s population. The cross was set up to mark the then northern boundary of the village. Like virtually all crosses, it was probably damaged or dismantled during times of religious upheaval following the Reformation. The cross was restored by Arthur Mather in 1913 to commemorate Woolton being absorbed into Liverpool. Edward III left another remarkable legacy - an estimated 99% of English people are thought to be descended from him.
Learn more about the history of Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool, pier Head, admission free.
Come along and visit our warm, friendly golf club and enjoy the parkland facilities here in the heart of South Liverpool.
BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED IN 2021
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We have tee sponsors available and a club sponsor is also available with lots of very good perks. ere is also a social membership available allowing access to all the clubhouse facilities and social events. Sponsor a tee with an advert on and there is a chance to become a club sponsor.
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