Parliament of August 1311 ordered yet again the exile of Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall and beloved friend of Edward II. Piers had already been exiled twice before - by Edward Ist and early in the reign of Edward II. Each time, Edward II had worked tirelessly to bring Piers back. This third exile was more serious in that the powerful nobles of Edward's reign had appointed themselves 'Lords Ordainers' who sought to reform the King's household and free him from the evil influence of those who brought ill to the kingdom - and that was of course Piers Gaveston, public enemy number 1. No doubt it was jealousy of the closeness between Edward and Piers that was the driving force, and the fear of the influence of Piers, who was accused of giving the King bad advice and sidelining the King's 'loyal' followers. Edward had tried everything to avoid sending Piers into exile - including shockingly to agreeing every other demand by the Ordainers if they would allow Piers to stay. But it was not to be, and Piers was sent into exile. If he ever did go. He certainly lay low and hidden from the nobles. Edward of course had probably begged him not to go, and that he would work for the exile to be revoked. Plus Piers wife, the King's niece Margaret, was heavily pregnant, and no doubt Piers wanted to be with her. Piers was reported back in England by January 1312, and was reunited with Edward at Knaresborough. I'm sure Edward and Piers were certain that once again, the charade of Piers going into exile and being re-called would continue - and probably for many more times! So when things came to a head yet again, Piers prepared for a siege at Scarborough castle.
It wasn't much of a siege! Scarborough Castle was a formidable castle, and Piers should have been prepared for a long siege. He could also have fled by boat from the castle. However, the castle wasn't set for a siege, and Piers surrendered on May 19th to the Earl of Pembroke, Amyer de Valence on very favourable terms. Pembroke swore an oath to protect Piers and treat him well in custody. It was hoped an agreement could be made and if not, Piers would be returned to Scarborough Castle and prepare for a siege. Piers must have been relieved to surrender to Pembroke and would have had no doubts about his oath. Piers should have been safe.
Scarborough Castle is now a ruin, but it's keep is still impressive.
Also on this day, Queen Anne Boleyn was executed at the Tower of London. RIP Anne - my childhood heroine.
