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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Black Prince
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(Edward, prince of Wales, 1330–76) Name by which the eldest son of *Edward III and Philippa of Hainaut is now commonly known. It was first used some two centuries after his death, and has been said to derive from the colour of his armour. He was famous in his own time as a knight of chivalry, living in great style but also distinguishing himself on the field of battle; under his father's command at *Crécy (1346) he won the insignia associated ever since with the prince of *Wales, and at *Poitiers (1356) he achieved a famous victory when in command of the English army. He died a year before his father, so it was his son who succeeded to the throne as *Richard II. Edward's reclining effigy in gold armour, surmounting his tomb, is one of the treasures of Canterbury Cathedral.
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