Black Prince, Edward

Edward (1330-1376), Prince of Wales, the son and heir of Edward III of England. He was a noted knight. His name was derived from the color of his armor. At the age of sixteen, he was in the thick of the battle of Crecy. Ten years later he defeated the French at the battle of Poitiers. He was one of England's greatest fighting men. He slew the king of Bohemia in battle and took prisoner the king of France and the king of Scotland. He died before his father, but his son became King Richard II. The motto of the Prince of Wales, Ich dien (I serve), was won at Crecy. It has been retained by his successors ever since.