Edward IV

Edward IV was a king of England from the House of York. He first became king in 1461 during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars over the English throne. Edward IV claimed the crown after several victories over the Lancastrian side, which supported King Henry VI. He ruled England in two main periods, from 1461 to 1470 and again from 1471 to 1483.

Edward IV was born in 1442. His father was Richard, Duke of York, a nobleman who said he had a strong claim to the throne. When Edward was still young, his father was killed in battle. Edward then became the Yorkist leader. In 1461, after winning the Battle of Towton, one of the largest battles of the wars, he was declared king. His early reign focused on securing his rule and gaining support from powerful nobles.

In 1464, Edward married Elizabeth Woodville. She was a widow and a member of the English nobility. The marriage surprised many nobles because they expected Edward to choose a bride from a foreign royal family. Some nobles, including his former ally the Earl of Warwick, became angry and turned against Edward. This conflict led to Edward losing the throne for a short time in 1470, when Henry VI was restored as king.

Edward returned to power in 1471 after winning two important battles: Barnet and Tewkesbury. Henry VI died soon after, and the Lancastrian line lost much of its strength. Edward’s second period of rule was more stable. He improved royal finances by managing trade and taxes, and he built a strong household government. He also spent time strengthening England’s position in France through diplomacy, which means attempts to solve problems peacefully between countries.

Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville had several children. After Edward died in 1483, his son Edward V was expected to become king. However, Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, took control and became King Richard III. This event led to new disputes over the throne and helped bring an end to the House of York’s rule.

Edward IV is remembered for his military success, his role in the Wars of the Roses, and his efforts to create a stable government during his reign. His death at age 40 ended a period of Yorkist strength and opened the way for further conflict that later brought the Tudor dynasty to power.