Common error
Sir : In view of the forthcoming investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon Castle, it may be worth pointing out that Edward I did not present his infant son to the Welsh Chief- tains as their prince there in 1284. The future Edward II was born in the unfinished castle, but he was the fourth son of Edward I, and at the time of his birth his elder brother, Alfonso, was still alive. It was Alfonso's death later in the year which made Edward heir to the throne. He was not created Prince of Wales until 1301, and this was done not at Caernarvon but at Lincoln. Moreover it was to Chester that the Welsh chieftains came to pay homage to their new prince.
This information is derived from Common Errors in History. published by the Historical Association in 1945.
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