History UsefulNotes / EdwardIV

Edward’s youth and good looks, as well as his prowess in battle, made him a popular king, but his decision to marry in secret and for love alienated many of his former allies, especially Warwick. Warwick had been negotiating a foreign marriage, which would have brought needed wealth and political allies to the crown, and he was infuriated by Edward's actions. The woman, known for her exceptional beauty, was Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow six years Edward’s senior and a woman became an effective advocate for her large, ambitious family, obtaining titles and advantageous marriages for many of them. While Elizabeth's father was an obscure English knight, her mother was the far more connected Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who had come to England for a short-lived marriage to the Duke of Bedford and was a friend of Margaret of Anjou, the formidable queen of Henry VI. That friendship might have made it uncomfortable for Edward to back out of a promise to marry an attractive widow made with [[TheCasanova the goal of getting her into his bed]], something Edward was rumored to have done more than once as a young man.

Edward’s legacy is usually overshadowed by his contraversial brother Richard or his iconic grandson UsefulNotes/HenryVIII, both of whom are portrayed far more often in fiction. Usually, if Edward is portrayed, it is as a supporting character to Richard, although in the mini-series, ''Series/TheWhiteQueen'' he is a supporting character to his wife, Elizabeth Woodville. Yet, he is a fascinating and formidable figure in his own right and, much like his more famous grandson, his romantic impulses and personal excesses get far more attention than his accomplishments.

Edward’s youth and good looks, as well as his prowess in battle, made him a popular king, but his decision to marry for love alienated many of his former allies, especially Warwick. The woman, known for her exceptional beauty, was Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow six years Edward’s senior and a woman who proved an effective advocate for her large, ambitious family. While Elizabeth's father was an obscure English knight, her mother was the far more connected Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who had come to England for a short-lived marriage to the Duke of Bedford and was a friend of Margaret of Anjou, the formidable queen of Henry VI. That friendship might have made it uncomfortable for Edward to back out of a promise to marry an attractive widow made with [[TheCasanova the goal of getting her into his bed]], something Edward was rumored to have done more than once as a young man.

In any case, Edward appeared happy to be surrounded by his wife's relatives, who depended on him for their status, rather than his various cousins and brothers, who had their own claims to prestige. And he appeared to love his wife, as they had seven children, though that didn't stop him from taking plenty of mistresses.

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in the UsefulNotes/WarsOfTheRoses, the longest-reigning Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. He was a WarriorPrince, a sometimes astute politician who preferred to negotiate with his enemies and was merciful when he could be, and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

Edward’s legacy is usually overshadowed by his contraversial brother Richard or his iconic grandson UsefulNotes/HenryVIII, both of whom are portrayed far more often in fiction. Usually, if Edward is portrayed, it is as a supporting character to Richard, although in the mini-series, ''Series/TheWhiteQueen'' he is a supporting character to his wife, Elizabeth Woodville. Yet, he is a fascinating and formidable figure in his own right and, much like his more famous grandson, his accomplishments are overshadowed by his romantic life and personal excesses.

Edward’s legacy is usually overshadowed by his contraversial brother Richard or his iconic grandson UsefulNotes/HenryVIII, both of whom are portrayed far more often in fiction. Usually, if Edward is portrayed, it is as a supporting character to Richard, although in the mini-series, ''Series/TheWhiteQueen'' he is a supporting character to his wife, Elizabeth Woodville. Yet, he is a fascinating and formidable figure in his own right.

Eventually, Warwick rebelled against Edward, marrying his daughter to Edward’s younger brother George, the Duke of Clarence, and attempted to put George on the throne. At this time, rumors circulated that Edward was not legitimate. Most historians do not take this claim seriously, but a few have. Warwick did not manage to depose Edward, but he did capture him and attempt to rule through him. However, the charismatic and clever Edward proved to be a PoisonousCaptive, and Warwick eventually released him. Warwick's second attempt at rebellion was more successful. After marrying his other daughter to the Lancastrian heir to the throne, Warwick switched sides and managed to restore Henry VI.

Edward’s legacy is usually overshadowed by his contraversial brother Richard or his iconic grandson, UsefulNotes/HenryVIII, both of whom are portrayed far more often in fiction. Usually, if Edward is portrayed, it is as a supporting character to Richard, although in the mini-series, ''Series/TheWhiteQueen'' he is a supporting character to his wife, Elizabeth Woodville. Yet, he is a fascinating and formidable figure in his own right.

The rest of his reign was relatively uneventful, with the exception of skirmishes with France and Scotland and Edward's decision to have his brother George executed, possibly in a vat of malmsey wine.

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in the UsefulNotes/WarsOfTheRoses, the longest-reigning Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. He was a WarriorPrince, an astute politician who preferred to negotiate with his enemies, and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

Edward was the oldest son of Richard, Duke of York, the man who led the Yorkist faction against King Henry VI, who was temperamentally unsuited to be king in TheLateMiddleAges and whose court was rife with corruption. The Duke of York had his own claim to the throne, which was technically stronger than Henry VI’s, since the latter’s grandfather had usurped the throne. Edward, then titled as the Earl of March, joined his father and the Richard, the Earl of Warwick, in rebellion.

Edward’s youth and good looks, as well as his prowess in battle, made him a popular king, but his decision to marry for love alienated many of his former allies, especially the Earl of Warwick. The woman, known for her exceptional beauty, was Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow six years Edward’s senior and a woman who proved an effective advocate for her large, ambitious family. While Elizabeth's father was an obscure English knight, her mother was the far more connected Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who had come to England for a short-lived marriage to the Duke of Bedford and was a friend of Margaret of Anjou, the formidable queen of Henry VI. That friendship might have made it uncomfortable for Edward to back out of a promise to marry an attractive widow made with [[TheCasanova the goal of getting her into his bed]], something Edward was rumored to have done more than once as a young man.

The Duke of York’s determination to press his claim to the throne resulted in his death in battle and the subsequent murder of Edward IV’s younger brother Edmund. Upon his father’s death, Edward took up his father’s claim and with the mentorship of his cousin, [[TheKingmaker The Earl of Warwick]], proved to be a brilliant military commander, despite his youth. After defeating the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton, he was crowned king.

Historians view Edward's second reign as successful, though Edward's pleasure-seeking ways led to a DecadentCourt and the once fit and athletic king becoming fat and unhealthy. He died prematurely at age forty, leaving a power vacuum that would have [[UsefulNotes/TheTudors far-reaching consequences]].

Historians view Edward's second reign as successful, though Edward's pleasure-seeking ways led to a DecadentCourt and the once fit and athletic king becoming fat and unhealthy. He died prematurely at age forty, leaving a power vacuum that would have far-reaching consequences.

* Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire: Edward has a couple of analogs in G.R.R. Martin's fantasy epic. The dashing prince, Robb Stark, who impulsively marries for love an alienates his key allies resembles a young Edward, while the obese, past his prime king with an ambitious, cold wife seems a lot like the older Edward.

The Duke of York’s determination to press his claim to the throne resulted in his death in battle and the subsequent murder of Edward IV’s younger brother Edmund. Upon his father’s death, Edward took up his father’s claim and with the mentorship of his cousin, [[TheKingmaker Richard, The Earl of Warwick]], proved to be a brilliant military commander, despite his youth. After defeating the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton, he was crowned king.

Edward’s youth and good looks, as well as his prowess in battle, made him a popular king, but his decision to marry for love alienated many of his former allies, especially the Earl of Warwick. The woman, known for her exceptional good looks, was Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow six years Edward’s senior and a woman who proved an effective advocate for her large, ambitious family. While Elizabeth's father was an obscure English knight, her mother was the far more connected Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who had come to England for a short-lived marriage to the Duke of Bedford and was a friend of Margaret of Anjou, the formidable queen of Henry VI. That friendship might have made it uncomfortable for Edward to back out of a promise to marry an attractive widow made with the goal of getting her into his bed, something Edward was [[TheCasanova rumored to have done]] more than once as a young man.

Eventually, Warwick rebelled against Edward, marrying his daughter to Edward’s younger brother George, the Duke of Clarence, and attempted to put George on the throne. At this time, rumors circulated that Edward was not legitimate. Warwick did not manage to depose Edward, but he did capture him and attempt to rule through him. However, the charismatic and clever Edward proved to be a PoisonousCaptive, and Warwick eventually released him. Warwick's second attempt at rebellion was more successful. After marrying his other daughter to the Lancastrian heir to the throne, Warwick switched sides and managed to restore Henry VI.

The Duke of York’s determination to press his claim to the throne resulted in his death in battle and the subsequent murder of Edward IV’s younger brother Edmund. Upon his father’s death, Edward took up his father’s claim and proved to be a brilliant military commander, despite his youth. After defeating the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton, he was crowned king.

Edward’s youth and good looks, as well as his prowess in battle, made him a popular king, but his decision to marry for love alienated many of his former allies, especially the Earl of Warwick. The woman, known for her exceptional good looks, was Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow six years Edward’s senior and a woman who proved an effective advocate for her large, ambitious family. While Elizabeth's father was an obscure English knight, her mother was the far more connected Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who had come to England for a short-lived marriage to the Duke of Bedford and was a friend of Margaret of Anjou, the formidable queen of Henry VI. That friendship might have made it uncomfortable for Edward to back out of a promise to marry an attractive widow made with the goal of getting her into his bed, something Edward was rumored to have done more than once as a young man.

Edward’s legacy is usually overshadowed by his brother Richard as well as his notorious grandson, UsefulNotes/HenryVIII, both of whom are portrayed far more often in fiction. Usually, if Edward is portrayed, it is as a supporting character to Richard, although in the mini-series, ‘’Series/TheWhiteQueen’’ he is a supporting character to his wife, Elizabeth Woodville. Yet, he is a fascinating and formidable figure in his own right.

! Literature

! Theatre

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in the UsefulNotes/WarsOfTheRoses, the longest-reining Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. He was a WarriorPrince, an astute politician who preferred to negotiate with his enemies, and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in the UsefulNotes/WarsOfTheRoses, the longest-serving Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. He was a WarriorPrince, an astute politician who preferred to negotiate with his enemies, and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

* Edward appears in Shakespeare's Tudor propaganda piece ''Theatre/RichardIII''

''Literature/TheSunneInSplendour'': Although this novel focuses on Richard, Edward is a complex and brilliant character that earns his brother's loyalty.
'' Literature/TheWhiteQueen'': In Phillipa Gregory's novel focusing on Elizabeth Woodville, he is a dashing rogue in love with the main character enough to make her his queen.

''Series/TheWhiteQueen'': Edward in played by Max Irons in the series based on Phillips Gregory's series of novels.

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in the UsefulNotes/WarsOfTheRoses, and the longest-serving Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. Additionally, he was a WarriorPrince and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

Edward, along with a small group of supporters that included his youngest brother [[UsefulNotes/RichardIII Richard, Duke of Gloucester]], fled into exile. This did not last long. Edward managed to convince his brother George, who by then was furious that he was not going to be made king, to return to the Yorkist fold. With George on his side and Richard's growing ability a military commander, Edward was able to retake the throne. Shortly thereafter, Henry VI died under mysterious circumstance. Since Henry's heir had been killed in battle (or possibly murdered), that left only the obscure Henry Tudor as a Lancastrian claimant. During this time, Edward's wife took sanctuary and gave birth to a son, the future Edward V and the older of the pair of boys who would come to be known as [[StockUnsolvedMysteries The Princes in the Tower]].

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in the UsefulNotes/WarsOfTheRoses, and the longest-serving Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. Additionally, he was a [[WarriorPrince brilliant military commander]] and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

Edward was the oldest son of Richard, Duke of York, the man who led the Yorkist faction against King Henry VI, who was temperamentally unsuited to be king sin TheLateMiddleAges and whose court was rife with corruption. The Duke of York had his own claim to the throne, which was technically stronger than Henry VI’s, since the latter’s grandfather had usurped the throne. Edward, then titled as the Earl of March, joined his father and the Richard, the Earl of Warwick, in rebellion.

Historians view Edward's second reign as successful, though Edward's pleasure-seeking ways led to a DecadantCourt and the once fit and athletic king becoming fat and unhealthy. He died prematurely at age forty, leaving a power vacuum that would have far-reaching consequences.

Edward’s legacy is overshadowed by his youngest brother Richard as well as his notorious grandson, HenryVIII, both of whom are portrayed far more often in fiction. Usually, if Edward is portrayed it is as a supporting character to Richard. In the mini-series, ‘’Series/TheWhiteQueen’’ he is a supporting character to his wife, Elizabeth Woodville. Yet, he is a fascinating and formidable figure in his own right.

!!Appearances In Media

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in TheWarsOfTheRoses, and the longest-serving Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. Additionally, he was a [[WarriorPrince brilliant military commander]] and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

Edward’s youth and good looks, as well as his prowess in battle, made him a popular king, but his decision to marry for love alienated many of his former allies, especially the Earl of Warwick. The woman, known for her exceptional good looks, was Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow six years Edward’s senior and a woman who proved an effective advocate for her large, ambitious family. While Elizabeth's father was an obscure English knight, her mother was the far more connected Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who had come to England for a short-lived marriage to the Duke of Bedford and was a friend of Margaret of Anjou, the formidable queen of Henry VI.

Historians view Edward's second reign as successful, though Edward's pleasure-seeking ways led to a DecadantCourt and the once fit and athletic king becoming fat and unhealthy.

Edward’s legacy is overshadowed by his youngest brother Richard as well as his notorious grandson, HenryVIII, both of whom are portrayed far more often in fiction. Usually, if Edward is portrayed it is as a supporting character to Richard. In the mini-series, ‘’Series/TheWhiteQueen’’ he is a supporting character to his wife, Elizabeth Woodville.

Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until his death in 1483. He was a key figure in TheWarOfTheRoses, and the longest-serving Yorkist king, the tallest English monarch at 6'4'' and often cited as the handsomest man ever to sit on the throne. Additionally, he was a [[WarriorPrince brilliant military commander]] and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

Edward’s youth and good looks, as well as his prowess in battle, made him a popular king, but his decision to marry for love alienated many of his allies, especially the Earl of Warwick. The woman, known for her exceptional good looks, was Elizabeth Woodville, a Lancastrian widow six years Edward’s senior and a woman who proved an effective advocate for her large family.

Edward, along with a small group of supporters that included his youngest brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, fled into exile. This did not last long. Edward managed to convince his brother George, who by then was furious that he was not going to be made king, to return to the Yorkist fold. With George on his side and Richard's growing ability a military commander, Edward was able to retake the throne. Shortly thereafter, Henry VI died under mysterious circumstance. Since Henry's heir had been killed in battle (or possibly murdered), that left only the obscure Henry Tudor as a Lancastrian claimant. During this time, Edward's wife took sanctuary and gave birth to a son.