# Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March

> English nobleman and rebel (1287-1330)

**Wikidata**: [Q312990](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312990)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Mortimer,_1st_Earl_of_March)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roger-mortimer-1st-earl-of-march

## Summary
Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, was an English nobleman and rebel who played a pivotal role in 14th-century English politics. Born in 1287, he is best known for his leadership in the rebellion against King Edward II, which culminated in the king’s deposition. His actions significantly influenced the trajectory of the English monarchy during a period of intense political turmoil.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 25, 1287  
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of England  
- **Known for**: Leading a rebellion against King Edward II and orchestrating the king’s deposition  
- **Field(s)**: Nobility, Politics  

## Contributions
Roger Mortimer’s primary contributions were political and military. He led a rebellion against King Edward II, capturing the king in 1326 and forcing his abdication in 1327. This event reshaped the English monarchy, enabling the ascension of Edward III. Mortimer’s actions directly impacted the governance of England during the early 14th century, though his rule alongside Queen Isabella was marked by controversy and eventual downfall.

## FAQs
**What was Roger Mortimer’s role in English history?**  
He was a key figure in the rebellion against King Edward II, leading to the king’s deposition and the establishment of Edward III’s reign.  

**Why was Mortimer executed?**  
He was executed in 1330 on charges of treason after King Edward III seized power and overturned Mortimer’s de facto rule.  

**What titles did Mortimer hold?**  
He was 3rd Baron Mortimer and later created 1st Earl of March, reflecting his significant influence and nobility.  

**How did Mortimer’s rebellion impact the monarchy?**  
The rebellion destabilized Edward II’s rule, set a precedent for challenging royal authority, and paved the way for Edward III’s long and transformative reign.  

## Why They Matter
Roger Mortimer’s rebellion and subsequent governance reshaped the English monarchy, demonstrating the vulnerability of royal power to noble dissent. His actions underscored the feudal tensions of the era and influenced the development of parliamentary governance. Without Mortimer’s intervention, the transition to Edward III’s rule—and the subsequent medieval political landscape—might have unfolded differently, potentially delaying reforms and shifts in power dynamics.

## Notable For
- Leading the rebellion that deposed King Edward II (1326–1327).  
- Holding de facto power in England alongside Queen Isabella (1327–1330).  
- Being executed for treason in 1330, marking the end of his political dominance.  
- Founding the Mortimer family’s legacy, which later claimed the English throne through the House of York.  

## Body

### Early Life and Titles  
Roger Mortimer was born on April 25, 1287, into a prominent noble family. He inherited the title of 3rd Baron Mortimer and later gained the Earldom of March, a title that bolstered his political and military influence. His family’s estates and alliances positioned him as a key player in the Kingdom of England’s feudal structure.

### Rebellion and Deposition of Edward II  
Mortimer’s most significant act was his leadership in the rebellion against King Edward II, which began in 1326. Allied with Queen Isabella, Mortimer invaded England, captured the king, and forced his abdication in 1327. This event marked a rare instance of a monarch being deposed by a subject, setting a precedent for challenges to royal authority. Mortimer’s military prowess and political maneuvering were central to the rebellion’s success.

### De Facto Rule and Downfall  
Following Edward II’s deposition, Mortimer ruled England alongside Queen Isabella, exercising significant power from 1327 to 1330. However, his authoritarian style and accumulation of wealth alienated other nobles. In 1330, the young King Edward III staged a coup, arresting Mortimer on charges of treason. Mortimer was executed on November 29, 1330, ending his dominance and restoring royal authority under Edward III.

### Legacy and Related Entities  
Mortimer’s legacy is intertwined with the Mortimer family’s later claims to the English throne, notably through the House of York during the Wars of the Roses. His actions influenced the balance of power between the monarchy and nobility, contributing to the evolution of English governance. Related entities include the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Oxford, reflecting his integration into the Kingdom of England’s feudal hierarchy.

### Historical Context  
Operating within the Kingdom of England (inception 927, dissolution 1707), Mortimer’s life and rebellion occurred during a period of feudal strife and monarchical instability. His story is emblematic of the era’s power struggles, where nobles frequently contested royal authority. The kingdom’s structure, with its capital in London and governance in transition, provided the backdrop for Mortimer’s rise and fall.

## References

1. Source
2. The Peerage
3. Genealogics
4. general catalog of BnF
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Integrated Authority File
8. IdRef
9. LIBRIS. 2003