The Death of a King: Part 2

The Geography at the time of Edward IV's sudden death.

As if there wasn't already issues, the geography at the time of Edward IV's sudden death made things much, much worse. 

Who was where?

Edward IV died in Westminster.

but his son and heir, Edward V was away at Ludlow.

while his heir's would-be-protector, Richard, Duke of Gloucester was in Yorkshire.

 

As soon as news of the King's death reached them both parties moved towards London. Edward V was accompanied by his maternal uncle, Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers and an armed escort.

 Whilst..

Richard, Duke of Gloucester also moved south with an army of men. His extensive powers in the north meant he could raise whole armies with very little notice.

On his way south, Richard met up with Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham was an ambitious man with extensive estates who allied himself to Richard, Duke of Gloucester. He resented the power of the Woodville's and was never really trusted by Edward V.

Hmm.. Suspicious of you, Richard?

Richard and Buckingham intercepted Edward V in Buckinghamshire before they could reach London.

Richard's plan at this stage was probably just to secure custody of the King, to ensure he could control events. However, suspiciously he he arrested and imprisoned three members of the King's entourage. Earl Rivers, Richard Grey and Sir Thomas Vaughan (a welsh gentleman who acted as private treasurer to Edward IV and V).

Having secured the young King from the supposed Woodville threat, Richard and Buckingham brought Edward V to London where the date was quickly set for Edward's coronation. However, it was at this time that a significant debate emerged as to whether Edward needed a protector. 

This division was the essential context for Richards usurpation of the throne.

Stuck on who's who?

Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Youngest brother of Edward IV and uncle to Edward V

Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham

A powerful man with extensive estates who despises the power of the Woodvilles

Elizabeth Woodville

Wife of the late Edward IV and mother of Edward V

Earl Rivers

The Queen's brother

Richard Grey

Son of Elizabeth Woodville and her first husband, John Grey

Sir Thomas Vaughan

A welsh gentleman who acted as private treasurer to Edward IV and V