Edmund Mortimer, 2nd Baron Mortimer

Who was Edmund Mortimer, 2nd Baron Mortimer?

Edmund Mortimer, 2nd Lord Mortimer was the second son and eventual heir of Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Mortimer. His mother was Maud de Braose. As a younger son, Edmund had been intended for clerical or monastic life, and had been sent to study at Oxford University.

He was made Treasurer of York in 1265. By 1268 he is recorded as studying Theology in the house of the Archbishop of York. King Henry III showed favour by supplementing his diet with the luxury of venison.

The sudden death of his elder brother, Ralph, in 1274, made him heir to the family estates; yet he continued to study at Oxford. But his father's death eventually forced his departure.

He returned to the March in 1282 as the new Lord Mortimer of Wigmore and immediately became involved in Welsh Marches politics. Together with his brother Roger Mortimer, Baron of Chirk, John Giffard, and Roger Lestrange, he devised a plan to trap Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. Edmund sent a message to Llywelyn telling him he was coming to Llywelyn's aid and arranged to meet with him at Builth. At Irfon Bridge the Welsh prince became separated from his army.