The Answer Is Always Edward Trivia Quiz

Answer: Edward V

Edward V (1470-c. 1483) was the son of the king who preceded him and the nephew of the king who succeeded him. Edward's "reign" was brief at less than a year (1483). Richard III would claim later that the marriage of Edward's parents was invalid and he was therefore illegitimate and eligible for the throne.

He was last seen alive in the Tower of London (which at the time was just as likely to be a royal residence as a prison). Most historians argue that Edward was probably killed on the order of Richard III, but some have argued this death sentence may have come from the next king, Henry VII.

Answer: Edward VI

Edward VI (1537-1553) was the long awaited male heir of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. During his reign (1547-1553), the "Book of Common Prayer" was first introduced (1549) as part of the transition of the Church of England into a clearly Protestant body. An intelligent child, Edward was personally interested in transformation of the Church of England, writing a treatise and taking detailed notes on religious controversies. On his deathbed, he declared his cousin, Jane Grey, rather than his sisters should succeed him on the English throne.

Answer: Edward the Martyr

Edward the Martyr (c. 962-978) was the eldest son of King Edgar the Peaceful. His brief reign (975-978) would end with his murder at Corfe Castle. In general, the years of Edward's reign were considered a troubled time. Popular opinion during the Middle Ages would consider Edgar to be a saint although he was never formally canonized.

His half-brother (later known as Ethelred the Unready) would succeed him.

Answer: Edward VII

Edward VII was known as the Uncle of Europe due to him being related to many of the royal families of Europe. That relationship came about because he was one of his mother Victoria's nine children. Edward VII (1841-1910) was largely excluded from power during his mother's long reign, instead being known for his playboy lifestyle. During his reign, he was active in diplomatic efforts to stave off various crises in Europe.

Answer: Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor (c. 1033-1066) gained his name from a popular reputation as a saint who did not suffer martyrdom. His reign (1042-1066) is associated with the building of the original Westminster Abbey. (The later building dates from the 13th century.) He resumed Anglo-Saxon rule to England after a generation of rule by Canute and his descendants.

Much of his reign involved a struggle with the powerful Earl Godwin and his family.

Answer: Edward I

Edward I (1239-1307) was known as the Hammer of the Scots because of his battles with Scotland, climaxing in direct English rule over Scotland for about a decade late in his reign. Edward was also known as Longshanks because of his height (six feet, two inches, tall for the era). Edward was a powerful king, largely conquering Wales during his rule. Following years of increasingly harsh treatment, Edward expelled the Jewish population of England in 1290.

Answer: Edward IV

Edward IV (1442-1483) had a reign (1461-1470 and 1471-1483) that was split by the brief resumption of the throne by Henry VI, who Edward had previously overthrown. Much of Edward's reign was consumed by the War of the Roses.
Though his son Edward IV would be overthrown after a brief reign, the descendants of Edward IV are monarchs of Britain to this day through the marriage of his eldest daughter Elizabeth to Henry Tudor.

Answer: Edward III

Edward III (1312-1377) saw the beginnings of the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) during his long reign (1327-1377). The was came from his claim that his mother being the daughter of Philip IV of France gave him a claim to the throne of France when Philip's line of male descent ran extinct. Edward's argument made sense from the point of view of the English monarchy (which allowed female succession) but not from the point of view of the French monarchy (which did not).

Answer: Edward VIII

Edward VIII (1894-1972) may be best known for his giving up throne after a brief reign (1936) to marry Wallis Simpson. It was generally thought by the British government to be inappropriate for Edward (formally the head of the Church of England) to marry a woman who was twice divorced (with both husbands still alive). Edward, like his brother (the future George VI) was a veteran of World War I.

After his abdication, Edward was named the Duke of Windsor and served as Governor-General of the Bahamas during World War II.

Answer: Edward II

Edward II (1284-1327) was also known as Edward of Caernarfon during his reign (1307-1327). Piers Gaveston was a close associate of Edward, though whether he was a close friend or a lover is debated by historians. Edward was known for allowing too much influence from his closest associates.

He would later be deposed by a faction led by his estranged wife Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer.