Editing Edward II of England (section)

===Edward and the Despensers===
[[File:Philippe4 eduard2 ludvikNavarra.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|alt=painting of Edward hunting|Edward (third from the left) hunting with Philip&nbsp;IV]]

Edward punished Lancaster's supporters through a system of special courts across the country, with the judges instructed in advance how to sentence the accused, who were not allowed to speak in their own defence.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=410–411}}.</ref> Many of these so-called "Contrariants" were simply executed, and others were imprisoned or fined, with their lands seized and their surviving relatives detained.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=411–413}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=144}}.</ref> The Earl of Pembroke, whom Edward now mistrusted, was arrested; he was released only after pledging all his possessions as [[Collateral (finance)|collateral]] for his own loyalty.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=425}}.</ref> Edward was able to reward his loyal supporters, especially the Despenser family, with the confiscated estates and new titles.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=417}}.</ref> The fines and confiscations made Edward rich: almost £15,000 was brought in during the first few months, and by 1326, Edward's treasury contained £62,000.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=419}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=151}}.</ref> A parliament was held at York on 2 May 1322 at which the Ordinances were formally revoked through the [[Statute of York]], and fresh taxes agreed for a new campaign against the Scots.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=423–425}}.</ref>

The English campaign against Scotland was planned on a massive scale, with a force of about 23,000 men.<ref name="Phillips2011PP426">{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=426–427}}.</ref> Edward advanced through [[Lothian]] towards [[Edinburgh]], but Robert the Bruce declined to meet him in battle, drawing Edward further into Scotland. Plans to resupply the campaign by sea failed, and the large army rapidly ran out of food.<ref name=Phillips2011PP426/> Edward was forced to retreat south of the border, pursued by Scottish raiding parties.<ref name=Phillips2011PP426/> Edward's illegitimate son, Adam, died during the campaign, and the raiding parties almost captured Isabella, who was staying at [[Tynemouth]] and was forced to flee by sea.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=428–431}}.</ref> Edward planned a fresh campaign, backed by a round of further taxes, but confidence in his Scottish policy was diminishing.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=433}}.</ref> Andrew Harclay, instrumental in securing Edward's victories the previous year and recently made the [[Earl of Carlisle]], independently negotiated a peace treaty with Robert the Bruce, proposing that Edward would recognise Robert as the King of Scotland and that, in return, Robert would cease to interfere in England.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=423–433}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=148}}.</ref> Edward was furious and immediately executed Harclay, but agreed to a thirteen-year truce with Robert.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=434–435}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=273}}.</ref>

Hugh Despenser the Younger lived and ruled in grand style, playing a leading role in Edward's government, and executing policy through a wide network of family retainers.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=440–442, 445}}.</ref> Supported by Chancellor [[Robert Baldock]] and Lord Treasurer [[Walter Stapledon]], the Despensers accumulated land and wealth, using their position in government to provide superficial cover for what historian Seymour Phillips describes as "the reality of fraud, threats of violence and abuse of legal procedure".<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=445–446}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=157}}.</ref> Meanwhile, Edward faced growing opposition. [[Miracle]]s were reported around the late Earl of Lancaster's tomb, and at the [[gallows]] used to execute members of the opposition in Bristol.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=436}}.</ref> Law and order began to break down, encouraged by the chaos caused by the seizure of lands.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=419–420}}.</ref> The old opposition consisting of Marcher Lords' associates attempted to free the prisoners Edward held in [[Wallingford Castle]], and [[Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March|Roger Mortimer]], one of the most prominent of the imprisoned Marcher Lords, escaped from the [[Tower of London]] and fled to France.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=438, 440–441}}.</ref>