The date is February 1307. Edward's foe, Robert the Bruce has begun gathering men. Edward, in his late sixties, vows to head North and lead the Army. His advisors are concerned and think Edward needs to get some life insurance.

Alright, you got me. Edward didn't ACTUALLY take out all that insurance BUT all of the incidents mentioned are true. He was a very physical King and almost certainly would have been an adrenaline junkie and gone bunjee jumping if he was able to. He did set up the Eleanor Crosses and a facsimile of one can still be seen outside Charing Cross station (which is how it got its name). He was a big jouster and very successful at it hence 'the best lance in all the world'.

The story about riding the fastest horse to escape capture is true. His lion did escape from the Tower and he did build all those castles in Wales. It was also the invention of the arrow slit. Poor old Dafydd did get cut up into pieces and flung about all over England.  He was responsible for giving the title Prince of Wales to the monarch's eldest son. All the enemies listed were valid. He was indeed stabbed on his birthday and crime levels did go up during his reign. It's a myth that he wanted his bones to be carried into battle afterwards but it's a great thought.

If you want to find out more about Edward, check out the sources and places below:

The Plantagenets: The Kings Who Made England - Dan Jones

Penguin Monarchs Series: Edward I - Andy King

A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain - Marc Morris

The English Monarchs Series: Edward I - Michael Prestwich

Any of the Welsh castles mentioned but my favourite is Beaumaris Castle