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The Rose of England: Edward IV

Ascendancy, conflict, and the enduring legacy of a pivotal English monarch who navigated the Wars of the Roses and shaped the course of English history.

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Edward IV: A Royal Overview

King of England

Edward IV (28 April 1442 โ€“ 9 April 1483) reigned as King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, and again from 11 April 1471 until his death. He was a central figure in the tumultuous Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought between the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions.

Yorkist Ascendancy

Edward inherited the Yorkist claim to the throne at eighteen, following his father's death. He secured his claim through decisive military victories, notably at the Battle of Towton, deposing the Lancastrian King Henry VI and establishing his own rule.

A Reign of Two Halves

His reign was marked by periods of instability, including a brief deposition by Warwick the Kingmaker and the re-installation of Henry VI. Edward's eventual restoration solidified his power, leading to a more stable, albeit complex, second period of rule.

Noble Lineage and Claim

Royal Descent

Born in Rouen, France, Edward was the eldest surviving son of Richard, 3rd Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. Both parents were direct descendants of King Edward III, providing Edward with a strong, albeit contested, claim to the English throne.

The Yorkist Claim

Edward's claim was strengthened by his father's position as heir presumptive to the childless King Henry VI. The complex lineage, tracing through Edward III's third and second sons, became a focal point of the dynastic struggle.

Physical Contrasts

Edward and his siblings were noted for their striking physical resemblance to each otherโ€”tall and blondeโ€”contrasting with their father's darker features. This led to contemporary speculation, though historians generally discount claims of illegitimacy.

Seizing the Throne

Early Military Prowess

At just eighteen, Edward inherited leadership of the Yorkist cause after his father's death at the Battle of Wakefield. He demonstrated considerable military skill and charisma, winning crucial battles like Mortimer's Cross and the decisive, albeit brutal, Battle of Towton in 1461.

Coronation and Deposition

Following his victories, Edward deposed Henry VI and was crowned King of England on 28 June 1461. His reign was interrupted in 1470 when Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, allied with Edward's brother George, Duke of Clarence, to briefly restore Henry VI.

Restoration and Consolidation

Edward fled to Flanders, but swiftly returned in 1471, securing victory at the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury. These battles eliminated key Lancastrian opposition, including Warwick and Prince Edward of Westminster, paving the way for Edward's triumphant return to the throne.

The King's Rule

First Reign (1461โ€“1470)

Edward's initial years were marked by reliance on the powerful Neville family, particularly the Earl of Warwick. His secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville in 1464 created significant political friction, alienating Warwick and contributing to the eventual rebellion.

Diplomacy and Treaties

A notable diplomatic achievement was the Treaty of Picquigny in 1475, which formally ended the Hundred Years' War. This treaty secured a substantial payment from France and a pension for Edward, easing financial pressures.

Financial Management

Edward's reign saw efforts to improve royal finances, including the preparation of the 'Black Book' for government accounting and investment in ventures with the City of London. However, his spending often outstripped income, leaving the Crown with limited cash upon his death.

Scottish Campaigns

In 1482, Edward supported an attempt to place his ally on the Scottish throne, leading to an invasion led by his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester. While Edinburgh was taken, the campaign ultimately yielded limited territorial gains.

Royal Household and Heirs

Marriage to Elizabeth Woodville

Edward's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow, was politically controversial. Despite council objections, the union produced ten children, seven of whom survived Edward. This marriage significantly shifted political alliances and influenced the succession.

The Princes in the Tower

His eldest son, Edward V, was set to succeed him but disappeared along with his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York, shortly after Edward IV's death. Their uncle, Richard III, seized the throne, and the fate of the "Princes in the Tower" remains a subject of historical debate.

Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville had ten children:

  • Elizabeth of York (1466โ€“1503), Queen consort to Henry VII.
  • Mary of York (1467โ€“1482).
  • Cecily of York (1469โ€“1507), Viscountess Welles.
  • Edward V (1470โ€“c.1483), King of England.
  • Margaret of York (1472โ€“1472).
  • Richard, Duke of York (1473โ€“c.1483).
  • Anne of York (1475โ€“1511), Lady Howard.
  • George, Duke of Bedford (1477โ€“1479).
  • Catherine of York (1479โ€“1527), Countess of Devon.
  • Bridget of York (1480โ€“1507), a nun.

Edward also had several acknowledged illegitimate children.

Mistresses and Succession Issues

Edward was known to have several mistresses, the most famous being Jane Shore. The uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of his marriage and the subsequent disappearance of his sons created a succession crisis that ultimately led to the end of the Yorkist dynasty.

Courtly Splendor and Patronage

A Splendid Court

Edward's court was renowned for its magnificence, described by contemporaries as the most splendid in Christendom. He invested heavily in luxurious furnishings, fine clothing, and jewels, projecting an image of royal power and wealth.

Patronage of Arts and Letters

The king was an avid collector of illuminated manuscripts, commissioning works from craftsmen in Bruges. His library included historical chronicles, biographies of rulers like Julius Caesar, and religious texts, reflecting his intellectual interests.

The Dawn of Printing

In 1476, William Caxton established the first English printing press near Westminster Abbey. Edward patronized this new technology, receiving the first printed book in England, Sayings of the Philosophers, translated for him.

Enduring Impact and Controversy

Succession Crisis

Edward's failure to ensure the secure succession of his son is widely seen as his greatest political failing. This oversight directly contributed to the rise of Richard III and the eventual victory of Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Historical Assessment

While early historians often dismissed Edward as a mere warrior, modern scholarship recognizes his administrative efforts and patronage. However, his reign is often overshadowed by the political instability and the tragic fate of his children.

Unresolved Questions

The cause of Edward's death remains uncertain, with theories ranging from illness to poison. The disappearance of the Princes in the Tower continues to fuel historical speculation about the actions of Richard III and the broader political machinations of the era.

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References

References

  1.  This resurfaced in the 17th century contest between England, the Dutch Republic, and France under Louis XIV.
  2.  Given-Wilson & Curteis 1984, pp.ย 158, 161รขย€ย“174.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Edward IV Wikipedia page

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