Edward I had high hopes for Edward II. Edward I, a qualified and notable military leader, trained this heir in warfare and statecraft starting from a very young age. However, Edward I would face disappointments as Edward II showed interest in boating and craftwork, activities that were at the time recognized as being below the king. Yet, Edward I guided Edward II, at an older age, through many Scots campaigns. Nonetheless, Edward II’s father’s efforts could not stop Edward II from obtaining habits of frivolity and extravagance. Edward I criticized his son for these qualities but Edward II kept these qualities for all his life and brought about a weak rule in England when he became king.
Edward II had a very strong attachment to his friend, Piers Gaveston, a Gascon knight. King Edward I assumed his son’s glitches in personality and preferences were due to this attachment of Edward II to his friend, Piers. Edward I recklessly exiled Piers Gaveston from the court after Prince Edward attempted to give his friend a title that was only for the royalty. Ironically though, Piers Gaveston had been originally chosen in 1298 by Edward I to be a qualified friend for his son because of his ability, courtesy, and knowledge. Out of his love and respect for his son, Edward II went on to knight Edward II in 1306 in major ceremony, the Feast of the Swans, where all the present people swore to support and continue the war in Scotland.
Hence, the differences between Edward I and Edward II portray the problems the two had in maintaining a strong and beneficial relationship. Edward I had high hopes for his son, Edward II, but Edward II failed to provide any strong influence on the king as he was disappointed by Edward II’s lack of ability and skill. Before Edward I died on July 1307 in another campaign against the Scots, he asked Edward II to “boil his body, extract the bones, and carry them with the army,” until the Scots had been defeated. However, Edward II immediately ignored the request and brought back his long time friend, Piers Gaveston, and even awarded him the title, Earl of Cornwall. The problems between Edward I and Edward II were brought to the forefront during this stage, as Edward II reversed some of the measures taken by his father.