Roger Mortimer: The King of Folly

Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, is one of the most controversial figures in English medieval history. A powerful nobleman, soldier, and lover of a queen, Mortimer rose from a respected marcher lord to the de facto ruler of England in the early 14th century. However, his meteoric rise was matched by a dramatic fall. His life is a tale of ambition, betrayal, passion, and ultimately, political folly. Though he never wore a crown, his brief domination of the English throne earned him the nickname “the King of Folly.” This article explores the life, influence, and downfall of Roger Mortimer—a man whose quest for power brought him to the height of England’s politics and to the scaffold.

Origins and Rise to Power

Roger Mortimer was born in 1287 into the powerful Mortimer family of Wigmore, one of the Marcher families who controlled the lawless borderlands between England and Wales. The Mortimers were among the most prominent barons of the realm, with extensive lands and military experience, particularly in the frequent skirmishes with the Welsh. Roger inherited his title and estates at a young age after the death of his father, Edmund Mortimer, in 1304.

Mortimer’s early career was marked by loyalty to the crown. He served King Edward II faithfully in his campaigns against the Scots and was made a Knight of the Bath in 1306. He also married Joan de Geneville, a wealthy heiress, which significantly increased his wealth and influence.

However, Mortimer’s relationship with King Edward II became increasingly strained. Edward’s reliance on favorites—first Piers Gaveston and later the Despensers (Hugh the Elder and Hugh the Younger)—alienated much of the nobility. Mortimer, like many barons, deeply resented the Despensers’ growing power and corruption. The conflict between Edward II and the nobility soon escalated into civil unrest shutdown123