As a younger son, Edmund had been intended for clerical or monastic life, and had been sent to study at Oxford University.

King Henry III of England showed favour by supplementing his diet with the luxury of venison.

The sudden death of his elder brother, Ralph, in 1274,[2] made him heir to the family estates; yet he continued to study at Oxford.

Edmund sent a message to Llywelyn, telling him he was coming to his aid and arranged to meet with him at Builth.

Edmund then sent his brother Roger to present Llywelyn's severed head to King Edward I of England at Rhuddlan Castle.