Aymer de Valence | |
|---|---|
| Earl of Pembroke | |
 19th-century depiction of Pembroke | |
| Born | c. 1270 |
| Died | 23 June 1324 (aged 48–49) Ponthieu |
| Buried | Westminster Abbey |
| Wars and battles | |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Father | William de Valence, 1st Earl of Pembroke |
| Mother | Joan de Valence, countess of Pembroke |
Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (c. 1270 – 23 June 1324) was an Anglo-French nobleman. Though primarily active in England, he also had strong connections with the French royal house. One of the wealthiest and most powerful men of his age, he was a central player in the conflicts between Edward II of England and his nobility, particularly Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. Pembroke was one of the Lords Ordainers appointed to restrict the power of Edward II and his favourite Piers Gaveston. His position changed with the great insult he suffered when Gaveston, as a prisoner in his custody whom he had sworn to protect, was removed and beheaded at the instigation of Lancaster. This led Pembroke into close and lifelong cooperation with the king. Later in life, however, political circumstances combined with financial difficulties would cause him problems, driving him away from the centre of power.
Though earlier historians saw Pembroke as the head of a "middle party", between the extremes of Lancaster and the king, the modern consensus is that he remained essentially loyal to Edward throughout most of his career. Pembroke was married twice, and left no legitimate issue, though he did have a bastard son. He is today remembered primarily through his wife Marie de St Pol's foundation of Pembroke College, Cambridge, and for his splendid tomb that can still be seen in Westminster Abbey. He was also an important figure in the Wars of Scottish Independence.