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 who became an effective advocate for her large, ambitious family, obtaining titles and advantageous marriages for many of them. While Elizabeth's father was a minor 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, 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. With the help of his sister, UsefulNotes/MargaretOfYork, 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 as a military commander, Edward was able to retake the throne, with Warwick dying in battle. Shortly thereafter, Henry VI, who was Edward's prisoner, died under mysterious circumstances. Since Henry's heir had also 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 [[TheFateOfThePrincesInTheTower The Princes in the Tower]].

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 as a military commander, Edward was able to retake the throne, with Warwick dying in battle. Shortly thereafter, Henry VI, who was Edward's prisoner, died under mysterious circumstances. Since Henry's heir had also 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 [[TheFateOfThePrincesInTheTower The Princes in the Tower]].

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 figure in his own right and, much like his more famous grandson, his romantic impulses and personal excesses get far more attention than his political and military accomplishments.

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 as a military commander, Edward was able to retake the throne, with Warwick dying in battle. Shortly thereafter, Henry VI, who was Edward's prisoner, died under mysterious circumstances. Since Henry's heir had also 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]].

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

See UsefulNotes/TheHouseOfPlantagent for more information on Edward's tangled family tree.

* ''Literature/TheSunneInSplendour'': Although this novel focuses on Richard it's a {{Doorstopper}} that has time to develop Edward into a complex and brilliant character that earns his brother's loyalty. It explores his relationships with all his brothers, especially Richard, but also Edmund and George. His love affairs with Elizabeth Woodville and Jane Shore are also covered, as well as Edward's friendship with Will Hastings. The book makes a good case for Edward's pragmatism having kept him on the throne while Richard's idealism is his undoing.
* '' Literature/TheCousinsWarSeries'': In Phillipa Gregory's novel series focusing of the women of the Wars of the Roses, he is a dashing figure who is passionately in love with Elizabeth Woodville.

* ''Literature/TheSunneInSplendour'': Although this novel focuses on Richard, Edward is a complex and brilliant character that earns his brother's loyalty.

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, was merciful when he could be, and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England. He also [[TheHedonist really]] [[TheAlcoholic liked]] [[BoisterousBruiser to have a good time]].

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 their cousin Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, in rebellion.

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 their cousin Richard, the Earl of Warwick, in rebellion.

In any case, Edward seemed 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 nine children and he resisted any pressure to put her aside, though that didn't stop him from taking plenty of mistresses.

* 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 Robert Baratheon, the obese, past-his-prime king with an ambitious, cold wife, seems a lot like the older Edward.

* He essentially ascends as the main Yorkist character in Creator/WilliamShakespeare's ''Theatre/HenryVIPart2'' and ''Theatre/HenryVIPart3'', shown at his prime and conducting the most iconic aspects of his life (i.e. winning the battles of Towton, Barnet and Tewkesbury--as well as cleaving to the Woodvilles). He later appears briefly (described as sickly and "having kept an evil diet"--although the extent of [[AgeLift how this looks]] [[HistoricalBeautyUpdate depends on production]]) in ''Theatre/RichardIII'', with his death setting off the action.

* 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 Robert Baratheon, the obese, past his prime king with an ambitious, cold wife seems a lot like the older Edward.

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

* Edward appears briefly in Shakespeare's Tudor propaganda piece ''Theatre/RichardIII'', with his death setting off the action.

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, was merciful when he could be, and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England. He also [[TheCasanova really]] [[TheAlcoholic liked]] [[BoisterousBruiser to have a good time]].

In any case, Edward seemed 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 nine children, though that didn't stop him from taking plenty of mistresses.

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 in partnership with Margaret of Anjou, restored Henry VI to the throne.

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’s younger brother Edmund. Upon his father’s death, Edward took up the Yorkist claim and with the mentorship of his cousin, [[TheKingmaker Warwick]], proved to be a brilliant military commander, despite still being in his teens. After defeating the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton, he was crowned king.

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’s younger brother Edmund. Upon his father’s death, Edward took up the Yorkist claim and with the mentorship of his cousin, [[TheKingmaker 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 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 who 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.

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’s younger brother Edmund. Upon his father’s death, Edward took up his father’s claim and with the mentorship of his cousin, [[TheKingmaker Warwick]], proved to be a brilliant military commander, despite his youth. After defeating the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton, he was crowned king.

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, [[UrbanLegend possibly via drowning in a vat of malmsey wine]] but more likely Edward just had him starved to death.

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, was merciful when he could be, and his second reign brought a much-needed period of calm and stability to England.

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/TheHouseOfTudor far-reaching consequences]].

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 as a military commander, Edward was able to retake the throne. Shortly thereafter, Henry VI, who was Edward's prisoner, died under mysterious circumstances. 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]].

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 Warwick]], proved to be a brilliant military commander, despite his youth. After defeating the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton, he was crowned king.

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 nine children, though that didn't stop him from taking plenty of mistresses.

* '' 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.

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, who was Edward's prisoner, died under mysterious circumstances. 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’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 political and military accomplishments.