The Death of a King: Part 1

What was the situation?

Edward IV died suddenly in 1483 at Westminster. His son and heir was just twelve years of age. With every hope that he would succeed his father throne without difficulty, the only thing holding him back was that his young age left the Crown in a vulnerable position resulting in crisis.

But, what is the twist?

The huge surprise of 1483 was that the threat to the Yorkist dynasty and the new Yorkist King, Edward V, came from within the family and from it's most loyal member and protector- Richard, Duke of Gloucester. The BROTHER of Edward IV.

Summary of these points

The crisis of 1483

Why did the crisis emerge?

• Edward V was only twelve years old
• If he was four years older, Edward V could have ruled independently of any guardians
• Though if five years younger, everyone would have accepted the need for a protector in the shape of the King's closest adult male relative, in this case: Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
• At twelve, Edward was between the two. 

 

 

So what was to happen for young Edward?

Edward V's mother, Elizabeth Woodville and her family put forward the view that Edward was an intelligent child who could rule through a council of nobles.

 

 

However.. 

 

 

Lord Hastings, one of Edward IV's most powerful Councillors claimed that a minority council should be established under Richard, Duke of Gloucester and that Richard, not the Queen, should be the protector of new King Edward V.