Kralı Devirmek: Geç Orta Çağ İngiltere’sinde Kralın Tahttan İndirilmesini Meşrulaştırma Probleminde II. Edward Örneği

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 181 - 209, 26.06.2025

Barışcan Abdal

https://doi.org/10.48120/oad.1576574

Abstract

II. Edward (ö.1327), gerek Geç Orta Çağ’da gerekse günümüzde İngiliz tarihindeki en tartışmalı krallardan biri olmuştur. Bunun en büyük nedenlerinden biri I. Edward’ın 1307’deki ölümün ardından tahta çıkan II. Edward’ın babasının kendi iktidarında inşa etmiş olduğu güçlü kral imgesinin altında kalmış olmasıydı. Babasının bu güçlü imajı karşısında yeni kralın beklentileri karşılayamadığı XIV. Yüzyıl İngiliz tarihyazımına da açıkça yansımıştır. Bu beklentilerin nasıl kırıldığı ise oldukça açıktı. II. Edward’ın 20 yıllık tartışmalı iktidarı İngiltere Krallığı’nı iki kez iç savaşa sürüklemiş, İskoçya ve Fransa’ya karşı giriştiği savaşlardan mağlubiyetlerle ayrılmış ve maiyetine aldığı kişiler sebebiyle sürekli olarak eleştirilmişti. Tüm bu faktörler neticesinde ise II. Edward 1066’daki Norman Fethi’den beri tahttan indirilen ilk İngiliz kralı oldu. Fakat kendi iç çatışmaları sonucunda II. Edward’ın tahttan indirilmesi İngilizler için daha önce tecrübe edilmemiş bir durumdu. Ondan yaklaşık iki yüzyıl sonrasında yaşamış olan William Shakespeare (ö.1616) dahi “Dünyevi hiç kimse Tanrı'nın seçtiği vekili tahttan indiremezdi.” derken XIV. Yüzyıl İngiliz tarih yazarlarıyla benzer kaygıları taşıyordu. Bu nedenle İngilizler Tanrı’nın meşru yöneticisi olduğuna inandıkları kralın tahttan indirilmesini meşrulaştırmak adına çeşitli nedenler aradılar. İşte bu dönem anlatılarının giriştikleri bu çaba ve sundukları argümanlar bu araştırmanın temel sorununu teşkil edecektir. Böylece İngiltere Krallığı’nın ilk kez tecrübe ettiği ve Orta Çağ boyunca sıklıkla rastlamadığımız meşru bir kralın tahttan indirilme hadisesi açıklığa kavuşturulmaya çalışılacaktır.

Keywords

İngiltere, II. Edward, tarihyazımı, Orta Çağ, meşruiyet

Fall of the King: Legitimizing Royal Deposition in Late Medieval England in the Case of Edward II

Abstract

Edward II (d.1327) is often regarded as one of the most controversial kings in English history, both in the Late Middle Ages and in contemporary discussions. A key reason for this controversy lies in his ascension to the throne after the death of his father, Edward I. Edward I had crafted a formidable image as a strong ruler, and his son struggled to meet the high expectations that came with it. This disconnection is clearly reflected in 14th-century English historiography, which emphasizes the perceived failures of Edward II’s reign. Throughout his tumultuous 20-year reign, Edward II twice led England into civil war, suffered major military defeats against Scotland and France, and was frequently criticized for his reliance on unpopular courtiers. Ultimately, he became the first English king to be deposed since the Norman Conquest of 1066. His downfall was unprecedented, as it stemmed from internal conflicts. Even playwright William Shakespeare, writing two centuries later, noted that "The breath of worldly men cannot depose the deputy elected by the Lord." reflecting a sentiment shared by 14th-century historians who wrestled with the legitimacy of his removal. As a result, there was a concerted effort among English writers to justify the dethronement of a king they believed had been divinely appointed. The narratives and arguments that emerged during this period will be the main focus of this research. By examining these, we aim to clarify the unique circumstances surrounding the deposition of a legitimate king—an event that was quite rare in medieval England.

Keywords

England, Edward II, historiography, Middle Ages, legitimacy

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