King Edward III was one of the greatest Kings of England. He lived in the 14th century.

He was born at Windsor Castle. His father, Edward II, liked to go hunting in the Forest there.

His father was kicked off the Throne because a lot of the Barons didn't like him. Edward III became king instead. He was only 14. He was crowned by a local Windsor man, Archbishop Walter Reynolds.

When Edward married, he made Windsor Castle into his main family home. His children were educated by Sir Nicholas de la Beche of La Beche Castle (Aldworth) & Beaumys Castle (Swallowfield). Lots of family events took place at Windsor Castle and at Reading Abbey nearby.

Like his father and grandfather, Edward wanted to be in charge of Scotland as well as England. He started a big war against the Scots and tried to put a new king on the throne.

In 1337, he decided he should be King of France too because his mother was the sister of the old king. King Philip VI of France was only the old king's cousin.

Being King of England wasn't enough for Edward. He wanted to be a great power in Europe. He thought setting up an order of knights would help him.

In 1346, Edward and his 16-year-old son went to France. His son was called the Black Prince. They took a big army with them. The French army was bigger, but the English beat them at the Battle of Crecy.

King David II of Scotland tried to help the French.

• He invaded England in 1346. He was captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross (in County Durham).

• He was imprisoned, but still lived like a king, in the Tower of London, Windsor Castle & Odiham Castle for 11 years. Sir William Trussell was his gaoler.

• He complained about the poor state of Windsor Castle. So Edward used the money from his ransom to rebuilt it.

The war with France continued throughout King Edward's reign. It became known as the Hundred Years' War because it went on for so long.

King John II of France was also captured, at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. He was also imprisoned at Windsor Castle.

The Black Prince died before his father. When King Edward died, his grandson, Richard II became king.