Editing Edward II of England (section)

===Invasion===
{{Main article|Invasion of England (1326)}}
[[File:Replica of Oxwich Brooch.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=photograph of replica Oxwich Brooch|Replica of the [[Oxwich Castle#The Oxwich Brooch|Oxwich Brooch]], found at [[Oxwich Castle]] in Wales, and probably owned by Edward and looted during the events of 1326<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=519}}.</ref>]]

During August and September 1326, Edward mobilised his defences along the coasts of England to protect against the possibility of an invasion either by France or by Roger Mortimer.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=501–502}}.</ref> Fleets were gathered at the ports of [[Portsmouth]] in the south and [[River Orwell|Orwell]] on the east coast, and a raiding force of 1,600 men was sent across the English Channel into [[Normandy]] as a diversionary attack.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=502}}.</ref> Edward issued a nationalistic appeal for his subjects to defend the kingdom, but with little impact.<ref>{{Harvnb|Ruddick|2013|p=205}}.</ref> The regime's hold on power at the local level was fragile, the Despensers were widely disliked, and many of those Edward entrusted with the defence of the kingdom proved incompetent or promptly turned against the regime.<ref>{{Harvnb|Haines|2003|pp=160–164, 174–175}}.</ref> Some 2,000 men were ordered to gather at Orwell to repel any invasion, but only 55 appear to have actually arrived.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=501, 504}}.</ref>

Roger Mortimer, Isabella and thirteen-year-old Prince Edward, accompanied by King Edward's half-brother Edmund of Woodstock, landed in Orwell on 24 September with a small force of men and met with no resistance.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=504}}.</ref> Instead, enemies of the Despensers moved rapidly to join them, including Edward's other half-brother, Thomas of Brotherton; [[Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster]], who had inherited the earldom from his brother Thomas; and a range of senior clergy.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=503–504}}.</ref> Ensconced in the residence halls of the fortified and secure [[Tower of London]], Edward attempted to garner support from within the capital. The city of London rose against his government, and on 2 October he left London, taking the Despensers with him.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=505}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|pp=178–179}}.</ref> London descended into anarchy, as mobs attacked Edward's remaining officials and associates, killing his former treasurer Walter Stapledon in [[St Paul's Cathedral]], and taking the Tower and releasing the prisoners inside.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=506–507}}.</ref>

Edward continued west up the [[Thames Valley]], reaching Gloucester between 9 and 12 October; he hoped to reach Wales and from there mobilise an army against the invaders.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=508}}.</ref> Mortimer and Isabella were not far behind. Proclamations condemned the Despensers' recent regime. Day by day they gathered new supporters.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=508–509}}.</ref> Edward and the younger Despenser crossed over the border and set sail from [[Chepstow]], probably aiming first for [[Lundy]] and then for Ireland, where the king hoped to receive refuge and raise a fresh army.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=510–511}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=181}}.</ref> Bad weather drove them back, though, and they landed at [[Cardiff]]. Edward retreated to [[Caerphilly Castle]] and attempted to rally his remaining forces.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|p=512}}.</ref>

Edward's authority collapsed in England where, in his absence, Isabella's faction took over the administration with the support of the Church.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=512–513}}; {{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=187}}.</ref> Her forces surrounded Bristol, where Hugh Despenser the Elder had taken shelter; he surrendered and was promptly executed.<ref>{{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=181}}.</ref> Edward and Hugh the Younger fled their castle around 2 November, leaving behind jewellery, considerable supplies, and at least £13,000 in cash, possibly once again hoping to reach Ireland, but on 16 November they were betrayed and captured by a search party north of Caerphilly.<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=514–515}}.</ref> Edward was escorted first to [[Monmouth Castle]], and from there back into England, where he was held at the Earl of Lancaster's fortress at [[Kenilworth Castle|Kenilworth]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Phillips|2011|pp=515, 518}}.</ref> Edward's final remaining forces, by now besieged in Caerphilly Castle, surrendered after four months in March&nbsp;1327.<ref>{{Harvnb|Haines|2003|p=186}}.</ref>