Edward, the Black Prince

Edward the Black Prince was the eldest son and heir apparent of Edward III (r. 1327-1377). He was created Earl of Chester in 1333, Duke of Cornwall in 1337, and Prince of Wales in 1343. These titles and lands gave him an annual income of £8,600.

Edward was a brilliant commander who have proven his skills in the Hundred Years' War, especially at the Battle of Crecy in 1346, at the age of 16. Another of his great military success was Battle of Poitiers (1356), where he captured the French king in the process. In 1362 he became Prince of Aquitaine what further contributed to his wealth. In 1367 he undertook to restore Peter the Cruel of Castile (1334-1369) to his throne but the campaign ruined his health, his finances, and any prospect of sound rule in Aquitaine.

Edward had a fortune of £85,000 at his death - over 3% of national income - what would be worth at least £34.8bn in 2010.