10 Unsung Heroes Of History

So much of the English history taught in schools centres around the revolving door that is the throne, so the figures of yesteryear that would never ascend the mighty chair are so criminally overlooked. William Adelin, son of Henry I, and Arthur Tudor, son of Henry VII, are some such instances, but Edward the Black Prince was perhaps the most unsung example.

The son of Edward III of England, Edward the Black Prince was one of the most successful commanders of the English army during the early stages of the Hundred Years War. In a time when tensions with the French were far in excess of what they are today, the Black Prince was a feared military leader, and for good reason.

A hero of the Battle of Crecy, only to duplicate his heroics at the Battle of Poitiers 10 years later, Edward the Black Prince quickly became known in England for his chivalry and, despite his muscle-behind-the-throne reputation amongst history enthusiasts, his name is quickly forgotten (if it was ever known to begin with) by most.

Edward died of dysentery before he could take the throne so his son Richard II - aged only 10 - ruled England upon his grandfather's death.