The Opening of the Tomb of King Edward I in Westminster Abbey

Allan Barton - The Antiquary2 minutes read

King Edward I of England died on July 7, 1307, after falling ill with dysentery during a journey to face Robert the Bruce's armies in Scotland. His body was embalmed, temporarily resting at Waltham Abbey before a funeral overseen by Bishop Anthony Beck at Westminster Abbey in October.

Insights

  • King Edward I of England died on July 7, 1307, after falling ill with dysentery during a journey to Scotland to face Robert the Bruce's armies.
  • Edward's tomb at Westminster Abbey, overseen by Bishop Anthony Beck, is a relatively simple structure made of five marble slabs with an inscription that reads, "Edward the First Hammer of the Scots 1308 Keep The Pact," added in the 16th century.

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Recent questions

  • How did King Edward I of England die?

    King Edward I of England died from dysentery on July 7, 1307, in Cumberland.

  • Where was King Edward I of England buried?

    King Edward I of England was buried at Westminster Abbey.

  • Who oversaw King Edward I's funeral?

    Bishop Anthony Beck, a close confidante of Edward, oversaw the funeral at Westminster Abbey.

  • What inscription is on King Edward I's tomb?

    The inscription on King Edward I's tomb reads, "Edward the First Hammer of the Scots 1308 Keep The Pact."

  • How was King Edward I's body preserved after death?

    King Edward I's body was regularly maintained with wax cloth to prevent decay, unlike other medieval kings.

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Summary

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King Edward I: Death and Legacy

  • King Edward I of England traveled to Scotland to face Robert the Bruce's armies in conflict.
  • During his journey, he fell ill with dysentery on the night of July 6, 1307.
  • Edward died the next morning, July 7, 1307, at Bear on the Sands in Cumberland.
  • His body was embalmed, a common practice for English kings, and temporarily rested at Waltham Abbey before burial.
  • Bishop Anthony Beck, a close confidante of Edward, oversaw the funeral at Westminster Abbey on October 27.
  • Edward's tomb at Westminster Abbey is relatively simple, made of five slabs of marble with an inscription.
  • The tomb's inscription, "Edward the First Hammer of the Scots 1308 Keep The Pact," is believed to have been added in the 16th century.
  • Edward's body was regularly maintained with wax cloth, unlike other medieval kings, to prevent decay.
  • In 1774, Edward's tomb was opened, revealing his well-preserved body in royal attire, including a mantle of crimson satin and a Priestly stole.
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