King Edward IV the First Yorkist King
King Edward IV was the son of Richard, Duke of York and Cecily Neville. A tall, powerfully built king, Edward IV spent his two reigns fighting in the Wars of the Roses, in some of the bloodiest battles ever seen in England. Despite persistent rebellions from his brother, and disapproval of his marriage, King Edward IV ruled over a prosperous economy, once the fighting died down. His death came suddenly, and with his son and heir, Edward V, being too young, Edward’s brother, Richard became Lord Protector of England. This would lead to the final tale of medieval England.
| Born | 28 April 1442, Rouen, Normandy |
| Parents | Richard Duke of York and Cecily Neville |
| Married | Elizabeth Woodville |
| Children | 14, inc Edward V and Richard Duke of York |
| Died | 9 April 1483, Westminster, buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle (40) |
| Reign | 1461 - 1470 (9) and 1471-1483 (11) |
| Crowned | 28 June 1461, Westminster Abbey (19) |
| Predecessor | Henry VI (third cousin) |
| Successor | Edward V (son) |
| House | York |
Life Events of King Edward IV
1422
On 28 April, Edward IV is born to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and Cecily Neville, in Rouen, France.
1461
On 2 February, Edward IV, son of the late Duke of York, defeats a Lancastrian army, led by Jasper Tudor, at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross.
1461
On 29 March, the Lancastrians and Yorkists raise the largest armies ever seen in England. The two sides fight in the Battle of Towton, the bloodiest battle to have ever taken place. The Yorkists win a decisive victory.
1461
Queen Margaret is exiled to Scotland, Henry VI is deposed and Edward IV is proclaimed king.
1464
Edward IV controversially marries commoner Elizabeth Woodville, despite allegedly having no right to marry her at all. Edward IV was secretly precontracted to someone else.
1469
Edward IV no longer favours Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who opposes Edward’s marriage and the Woodville’s influence. Warwick’s position is no longer attainable in court, and switches allegiance to Queen Margaret’s Lancastrian cause.
1469
On 24 July, Warwick’s army engages Edward IV’s army at the Battle of Edgcote Moor, defeating the Yorkists. King Edward IV is captured in Olney, Buckinghamshire; but is soon released and restored to power with help from his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
1470
On 12 March, the Earl of Warwick and Duke of Clarence rebel against King Edward IV, to try and replace him with Clarence. Warwick and Clarence are defeated at the Battle of Losecote Field, and flee to France.
1470
In October, Warwick returns and invades England, forcing King Edward IV to flee to Burgundy. Henry VI is restored to the throne.
1471
On 14 March, Edward IV returns to England after gathering support from Charles the Bold of France, Edward’s brother-in-law.
1471
On 11 April, Edward IV is restored as king of England.
1471
On 14 April, Edward IV attacks a Lancastrian force, led by Warwick, at the Battle of Barnet. In misty, foggy conditions the Lancastrian army fall into disarray, and the Yorkists strike hard. Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick is found after the battle and killed.
1471
On 4 May, King Edward IV and his Yorkist forces decisively defeat Margaret of Anjou’s army at the Battle of Tewkesbury. The Prince of Wales, Edward, dies during the battle, and the Duke of Somerset is executed afterwards. Margaret submits to King Edward IV, shortly after the battle, and is imprisoned.
1471
On 21 May, Henry VI is murdered in the Tower of London, potentially on the orders of Edward IV.
1474
On 25 July, Edward IV and Charles the Bold of Burgundy sign an alliance agreement, known as the Treaty of London. Charles will provide military support to England in France and Edward IV will guarantee Burgundy’s borders.
1478
King Edward IV’s brother, George, Duke of Clarence rebels against Edward for the last time. Edward IV has Clarence arrested and sent to the Tower of London. After a short trial, which Clarence did not attend, King Edward IV found his brother guilty of treason.
1478
On 18 February, Clarence is executed in private. Rumour spreads that he was drowned in a vat of Malmsey wine, a drink that he once liked too much.
1483
King Edward IV’s health deteriorates, while his son and heir, Edward V, is too young to rule. Edward IV arranges for his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester to be named Lord Protector of England, until Edward V is of age.
1483
On 9 April, King Edward IV dies of illness at Westminster. He is buried at Windsor Castle.
Interesting Facts About King Edward IV
Birth and Early Life
Edward IV was born on 28 April 1442, in Rouen, France, during his father's exile. He was the eldest son of Richard, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.Wars of the Roses
Edward IV played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought between the rival houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. He led the Yorkist faction and emerged victorious, establishing the Yorkist dynasty.Battle of Towton
Edward IV achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Towton in 1461. It was the largest and bloodiest battle of the Wars of the Roses and solidified Edward's claim to the throne, leading to his coronation as King of England.Marriage
Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner, caused controversy and political tension. Their secret marriage in 1464 led to the emergence of the influential Woodville family at court, which created conflict with some of Edward's nobles.Exile
Edward IV faced a temporary exile in 1470-1471 when the Lancastrians, led by Henry VI's wife, Margaret of Anjou, briefly reclaimed the throne. However, Edward swiftly regained power and was restored as king.Reconciliation with Warwick
Edward IV's relationship with Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known as the ‘Kingmaker’, was complex. Despite their previous alliance, they became estranged, but eventually reconciled before Warwick's death in the Battle of Barnet in 1471.Building
Edward IV undertook several notable building projects, including extensive renovations at Windsor Castle and the completion of St. George's Chapel. He also expanded the royal hunting grounds and established royal forests.Financial Reforms
Edward IV implemented financial reforms to stabilize the economy. He instituted measures to control the royal household's expenses and improve revenue collection, contributing to a period of relative economic stability during his reign.Cause of Death
Edward IV died unexpectedly on 9 April 1483, at the age of 40. The exact cause of his death is uncertain, but theories include pneumonia, a stroke, or complications related to his obesity.
Battles Fought by King Edward IV and his Yorkists
Battle of Ludford Bridge
On 12 October 1459, the Lancastrians, led by King Henry VI, defeat the combined Yorkist forces of Richard, Duke of York, Richard, Earl of Salisbury and Richard, Earl of Warwick. The three Yorkist leaders flee into exile.Battle of Northampton
On 10 July 1460, the Yorkists attack and defeat King Henry VI’s Lancastrian forces, helped by Lord Grey switching sides, and allowing the Yorkists through. King Henry VI is captured. The battle lasted less than an hour.Battle of Wakefield
On 30 December 1460, the Lancastrians defeat the Yorkists outside Sandal Castle. Richard, Duke of York is killed, and Earls of Salisbury and Rutland are captured and then executed.Battle of Mortimer’s Cross
On 2 February 1461, Edward, Earl of March leads a Yorkist army to victory against the Lancastrians, led by Jasper Tudor. This was the first time the future king, Edward IV, had commanded an army.Second Battle of St Albans
On 17 February 1461, Richard, Earl of Warwick leads the defence of St Albans against Queen Margaret’s Lancastrians forces. After terrible fighting in the streets, the Earl of Warwick retreats to London, leaving victory to the Lancastrians.Battle of Ferrybridge
On 28 March 1461, Yorkists and Lancastrians battle over the River Aire at Ferrybridge. 3000 soldiers died, and eventually the Yorkists were able to cross the river the next day.Battle of Towton
On 29 March 1461, the battle consisted of the two largest forces ever gathered in England. It was also the most bloodiest, where it is said the river ran red with blood. The Yorkists won a decisive victory over the Lancastrians, forcing Queen Margaret into exile in Scotland.Battle of Hedgeley Moor
On 25 April 1464, Lord Montague leads a Yorkist army against the Duke of Somerset and his Lancastrian forces. The Yorkists were victorious, enabling them to open negotiations of peace with Scotland.Battle of Hexham
On 15 May 1464, Richard, Earl of Warwick and the Yorkists defeat the Lancastrians, led by Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset. The Duke of Somerset is captured and executed.Battle of Edgecote Moor
On 24 July 1469, the Earl of Warwick switches sides, and defeats the Yorkists; forcing Edward IV to flee to Flanders.Battle of Losecote Field
On 12 March 1470, the Earl of Warwick and Duke of Clarence rebel against Edward IV. The Yorkists are victorious, defeating Warwick and Clarence.Battle of Barnet
On 14 April 1471, King Edward IV leads his Yorkist forces against Richard, Earl of Warwick and the Lancastrians. The Yorkists seized an advantage, while the Lancastrians were in disarray, and defeated them. Warwick is executed after the battle.Battle of Tewkesbury
On 4 May 1471, the Yorkists, led by King Edward IV, win a decisive victory against the Lancastrians. Edward, Prince of Wales is killed in battle and Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset is executed afterwards.
FAQs About the King
How did Edward IV become king?
Edward IV became king after leading the Yorkist faction to victory in the Wars of the Roses. He claimed the throne from the Lancastrian king, Henry VI, and was crowned king in 1461.What were Edward IV's major accomplishments as king?
Edward IV's major accomplishments include his military victories in the Wars of the Roses, particularly the Battle of Towton in 1461. He established the Yorkist dynasty, brought relative stability to England and implemented financial reforms to strengthen the economy.Who was Edward IV's wife?
Edward IV married Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner, in a secret ceremony in 1464. Their marriage caused political tensions and controversy, as Elizabeth's family, the Woodvilles, gained influence at court.How many children did Edward IV have?
Edward IV had several children, including two sons who would later become the famous ‘Princes in the Tower’, Edward V and Richard, Duke of York. He also had several daughters, including Elizabeth of York, who would later marry Henry VII and unite the houses of York and Lancaster.Did Edward IV face any challenges to his reign?
Yes, Edward IV faced challenges to his reign, including temporary exile in 1470-1471 when the Lancastrians briefly regained power. He successfully reclaimed the throne and remained in power until his death.How did Edward IV die?
The exact cause of Edward IV's death is uncertain. He died suddenly on 9 April 1483, aged 40. Theories about the cause of his death include pneumonia, a stroke or complications related to his obesity.What was Edward IV's relationship with Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Richard III)?
Edward IV's relationship with Richard, his younger brother, was initially close. However, after Edward's death, Richard III controversially seized the throne and is believed by many to have had a hand in the disappearance of his nephews, Edward IV's sons, the ‘Princes in the Tower’.
King Edward IV’s pursuit of Lancastrians, who took sanctuary in the abbey, is stopped by a priest
Elizabeth Woodville
