Edward I, who reigned from 1272-1307, is recognized by most Englishmen as a great king. However, the Scots and Welsh do not necessarily agree with their English neighbors, for Edward was viciously fixated upon subduing Scotland and Wales. Additionally, Jews may not have fond thoughts of him for it was he who had the Jews expelled from England during his reign.

Edward was purportedly a handsome man, and he was very tall, his long legs garnering him the moniker "Longshanks." He married Eleanor of Castile at an early age, and he was very fond of her, so much so that when she died in 1290 in Wales, he had a cross erected at each site where her body was set down during the journey back to London. Those crosses were called chere reine -- or "dear queen" -- crosses. Charing (chere reine) Cross in present day London is the former site of one such cross; hence its name.

Despite his love for his wife and his gentle gestures to her after her death, Edward apparently had a hot temper, sometimes venting his wrath upon his own children. It is said that he had a cruel streak, as well (this being played up in Braveheart). But even though he possessed such character flaws, he was a strong ruler who strengthened the authority of the English monarchy; he made gains for England in France and Wales; and he attempted to subdue Scotland, as well. Additionally, Edward developed England's common law and emphasized Parliament's role in government, a great moment in English history.

His wars at home and abroad cost a great deal, as hinted at in the film with discussions of taxation. He did succeed in defeating Llewelyn "the Last" ap Gruffyd of Wales and taking Llewelyn's principality. The royal lands in Wales were assigned to Edward's heir (the future Edward II) who became the first Prince of Wales. In Scotland Edward was not so fortunate, and he was still waging war against the Scots when he died in 1307 (two years after Wallace was executed). War also broke out in France over Edward's duchy of Aquitaine. Because of the great cost of these campaigns, Edward's nobles objected strongly, and they tried to make him change his policies. In the end, he died leaving many of his endeavors unfinished. However, his obsession with subduing the Scots earned him a nickname, although it was recorded only sometime after his death when someone carved Scotorum malleus -- Hammer of the Scots -- on his tomb.

Tratto da: http://bay1.bjt.net/~melanie/brave.html#Will_Wall