Page "Edward I of England" Paragraph 1

He spent much of his reign reforming royal administration and common law.

Through an extensive legal inquiry, Edward investigated the tenure of various feudal liberties, while the law was reformed through a series of statutes regulating criminal and property law.

Increasingly, however, Edward's attention was drawn towards military affairs.

After suppressing a minor rebellion in Wales in 1276 – 77, Edward responded to a second rebellion in 1282 – 83 with a full-scale war of conquest.

After a successful campaign, Edward subjected Wales to English rule, built a series of castles and towns in the countryside and settled them with Englishmen.

Next, his efforts were directed towards Scotland.

Initially invited to arbitrate a succession dispute, Edward claimed feudal suzerainty over the kingdom.

In the war that followed, the Scots persevered, even though the English seemed victorious at several points.

At the same time there were problems at home.

In the mid-1290s, extensive military campaigns required high levels of taxation, and Edward met with both lay and ecclesiastical opposition.

These crises were initially averted, but issues remained unsettled.

When the king died in 1307, he left to his son, Edward II, an ongoing war with Scotland and many financial and political problems.