King Edward II was the fourth son of King Edward I and his wife, Eleanor of Castile. He was educated in languages, literature, music, and military arts, and was crowned king of England in 1307. Edward II was known for his love of luxury, spending heavily on entertainment, art, and fashion. He was also known for his love of men.
One of Edward’s most notable favorites was Piers Gaveston, whom he met as a young man and made his closest confidant and advisor. Edward showered Gaveston with gifts, titles, and honors, and their close relationship was widely rumored to be sexual. Edward’s barons were outraged by Gaveston’s influence and demanded his banishment, but Edward repeatedly brought him back to court.
After Gaveston was finally captured and executed by Edward’s enemies, the king took up with another favorite, Hugh Despenser the Younger. Like Gaveston, Despenser was given many gifts and titles by Edward and became a powerful figure in the royal court. Despenser’s arrogance and corruption, along with his close relationship with Edward, led to his downfall and execution.