Gone Medieval: Episode Summary – "Edward II: King of Incompetence"

Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega
Guest Experts: Daniel Evans (Director, Royal Shakespeare Company), Chris Given-Wilson (Professor of Late Medieval English History, St. Andrews University), Daniel Raggett (Actor portraying Edward II in RSC's "Edward II")

Introduction: Unveiling Edward II

In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega delve deep into the tumultuous reign of Edward II, often labeled as one of England's most inept monarchs. The discussion intertwines historical analysis with contemporary theatrical interpretations, offering listeners a multifaceted view of Edward II's legacy.

Theatrical Interpretation: Daniel Evans on Marlowe's "Edward II"

[02:36]
Matt Lewis introduces the episode by announcing a collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), highlighting their new production of Christopher Marlowe's play, Edward II. Daniel Evans, the play’s director, joins the conversation to shed light on the challenges of adapting a historical figure’s life for the stage.

Balancing History and Drama
Daniel Evans emphasizes the delicate balance between historical accuracy and theatrical storytelling. He states, "These history plays are fundamentally plays and so they're meant to be performed and it's about creating drama" ([07:43]). Evans draws from historical sources to enrich character portrayals, ensuring that the political machinations and personal dynamics resonate with authenticity.

Depicting Kingship and Leadership
Evans explores the abstract themes of kingship and power, making them relatable to modern audiences. He reflects, “There's a real correlation to leadership, full stop” ([09:17]), connecting medieval notions of divine right to contemporary discussions on leadership ethics. By removing the physical crown in a pivotal scene, Evans transforms the loss into a profound personal tragedy: “You cannot choose to be a king. And from that also came… you can no more choose to be a king than you can choose to be gay” ([10:47]).

Set and Costume Design
The production blends historical elements with modern metaphors. A significant feature is the replica of the Cosmati Pavement from Westminster Abbey, symbolizing the continuity of monarchy. Evans remarks, “It's making a kind of… nowadays it would be a political thriller” ([17:22]), positioning the play as a timeless narrative of power struggles.

Historical Analysis: Chris Given-Wilson on Edward II’s Reign

[19:48]
Professor Chris Given-Wilson provides an in-depth historical perspective on Edward II, defending his position as one of England’s worst kings.

Character and Leadership Flaws
Given-Wilson describes Edward II as "completely unsuited to kingship" ([20:13]), highlighting his vindictiveness, passion, and poor relationships with his magnates. Edward’s favoritism towards figures like Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser is pinpointed as a central flaw that undermined his rule.

Military Failures and Political Weakness
The episode details Edward II’s military blunders, notably the catastrophic Battle of Bannockburn ([41:36]). Given-Wilson explains, “Edward II was forced to flee, chased, hotly chased as far as Dunbar” ([45:24]), emphasizing how these defeats eroded his credibility and authority.

Economic Mismanagement
Inherited debts of around £200,000 left by Edward I plagued Edward II’s reign. Given-Wilson notes, “He was always poor. He could never get the money he wanted until after 1322” ([27:10]), leading to his reliance on unscrupulous favorites to finance his ambitions.

Downfall and Legacy
The Professor outlines the escalating tensions between Edward II and his barons, culminating in his deposition. He asserts, “He was a man completely unsuited to kingship” ([61:43]), underscoring Edward’s inability to navigate the complex political landscape, ultimately leading to his removal from the throne.

Portraying Edward II: Daniel Raggett's Insight

[62:16]
Daniel Raggett, the actor embodying Edward II in the RSC's production, discusses the intricacies of portraying such a complex historical figure.

Balancing Vulnerability and Authority
Raggett highlights the challenge of representing Edward’s personal vulnerabilities alongside his authoritative role. He shares, “I find it very easy to identify with Edward's loneliness and what is possibly littered throughout the play, which is a degree of shame” ([63:30]). His own queer identity aids in authentically conveying Edward’s internal struggles.

Character Development and Relationships
Exploring Edward’s interactions, Raggett explains how the play delves into his strained marriage with Isabella and his manipulative relationships with his favorites. He reflects, “He is terribly misogynistic towards his wife” ([67:22]), emphasizing the complexity of Edward’s character—torn between personal desires and royal responsibilities.

Emotional Transformation
Raggett describes the dramatic arc of Edward II, from a powerful monarch to a broken leader. He narrates the emotional journey: “I start full of medals, full of pomp... and then end up in my underpants in a muddy, wet dungeon” ([73:51]). This transformation underscores the tragic downfall of a king unable to adapt to the demands of his position.

Conclusion: Edward II’s Legacy and Upcoming Episodes

[75:33]
As the episode nears its end, Matt Lewis encapsulates the duality of Edward II’s persona—a king capable of both camaraderie and tyranny. The hosts tease the continuation of the series, focusing on Queen Isabella and her pivotal role in Edward II’s eventual deposition.

[76:22]
The summary concludes with an evocative portrayal of the impending crisis, setting the stage for listeners to explore the intricate web of power, relationships, and rebellion that defined Edward II’s reign.

Upcoming Topics
Listeners are invited to join the next episode, which will spotlight Queen Isabella’s transformation from a sidelined consort to a formidable political player, further unraveling the complexities of the Plantagenet dynasty.

Notable Quotes Highlighted:

• Daniel Evans:

  • "These history plays are fundamentally plays and so they're meant to be performed and it's about creating drama." ([07:43])
  • "You cannot choose to be a king. And from that also came… you can no more choose to be a king than you can choose to be gay." ([10:47])

• Chris Given-Wilson:

  • "He was completely unsuited to kingship." ([20:13])
  • "Edward II was forced to flee, chased, hotly chased as far as Dunbar." ([45:24])

• Daniel Raggett:

  • "I find it very easy to identify with Edward's loneliness and what is possibly littered throughout the play, which is a degree of shame." ([63:30])
  • "He is terribly misogynistic towards his wife." ([67:22])
  • "I start full of medals, full of pomp... and then end up in my underpants in a muddy, wet dungeon." ([73:51])

This episode masterfully blends historical scholarship with theatrical interpretation, providing a comprehensive examination of Edward II’s reign and his enduring legacy. By intertwining expert analysis with artistic perspectives, Gone Medieval offers a nuanced portrayal of a king whose reign left an indelible mark on English history.