The Black Prince is one of the most celebrated knights of medieval history, remembered as a warrior who exemplified the chivalric code of honour. Born Edward of Woodstock, he was the eldest son of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainault and had a string of titles to his name including;
• The First Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
• The Prince of Wales
• The Duke of Cornwall
• The Prince of Aquitaine
The Black Prince, a nickname he received as a result of the distinctive suit of black armour he wore, saw his most famous successes at the Battle of Crecy (1346) and in France between 1355 and 1356, culminating in his victory at the Battle of Poitiers (depicted above). Though he was heir to the throne of England, he died in 1376, a year before his father leaving his son Richard II to inherit the crown.