Gaveston
PIERS (gä-ves-tôn), the favorite of Edward II., King of Eng- GAY land. He was a Gascon by birth, and on account of his father's services to Edward I. was chosen companion to the Prince of Wales, over whom he acquired a complete and very mischievous ascendency, and breeding dissension between him and his father. Edward I. banished him in 1307, but dying the same year, Edward II. at once recalled him, made him Earl of Cornwall, and gave him in marriage his niece, Margaret de Clare.
Intoxicated with his elevation and honors he exasperated the nobles. He was again banished, again recalled, and, the barons having declared war, was besieged in Scarborough castle, captured, and executed near Warwick, June 19, 1312.