King Edward IV was the King of England from 1461 until 1470, and again from 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a member of the House of York and came to the throne during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought between the House of Lancaster and the House of York for control of the English throne. Edward was a skilled military commander and his victory at the Battle of Towton in 1461 effectively ended the first phase of the Wars of the Roses. During his reign, he made significant political and social changes, including the establishment of the Council of the North and the re-establishment of law and order in England. He died in 1483 and was succeeded by his son, Edward V.
During King Edward IV's reign, he faced several issues and events that had an impact on his reign and the country. Some of the main events and issues include:
The Wars of the Roses: Edward came to the throne during this ongoing civil war between the House of Lancaster and the House of York for control of the English throne. Edward was able to secure his position as king and end the first phase of the war with his victory at the Battle of Towton in 1461.
Political instability: Despite his early military successes, Edward faced several challenges to his authority during his reign. He faced several rebellions and plots against his rule, including the Lincolnshire Rising in 1470, which led to his temporary deposition.
The Readeption of Henry VI: In 1470, Henry VI, who had been deposed by Edward, was briefly restored to the throne. Edward was able to regain the throne in 1471, but the readeption served as a reminder of the ongoing political instability in England.
The establishment of the Council of the North: In 1472, Edward established the Council of the North, which was responsible for the governance and administration of the northern regions of England. This helped to establish more effective government in the north and reduce the risk of rebellion.
The King's marriage: Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville in 1464 caused significant controversy. Elizabeth was a commoner and her marriage to the King was seen as a political marriage as well as a love match. This caused tension in court and also with the powerful nobles of the realm who felt left out of the process.
The King's death: Edward IV died on April 9, 1483. He was succeeded by his son Edward V, but the young king and his brother were soon declared illegitimate by the King's brother Richard III, and taken to the Tower of London, where they were never seen again. This event is known as the "Princes in the Tower" and is one of the most controversial and mysterious events in English history.
Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024