King Edward III

Act One, Scene One At a castle in Westminster, King Edward is met by Artois, Earl of Richmond. A former Count of France, Artois has fled to England and become an ally of Edward. He explains that King Edward is the rightful heir to the French throne through his mother, Isabel, and implores Edward to launch a campaign against the current French ruler, King John I, and restore the rightful line to its throne.

One of Edward’s knights, Sir James Audley, arrives bringing the Duke of Lorraine - one of the French King John’s strongest supporters. Lorraine tells Edward that King John demands that he go to France to swear allegiance to him. Edward refuses, and sends Lorraine back with a message of war.

After Lorraine leaves, Edward asks for news of England’s ongoing battle with Scotland. A young knight, Montague, explains that the Scots have taken over several border towns, including the Castle Roxburgh, where the Countess of Salisbury is now being held hostage. Edward orders his son, Prince