Early Life and Background
Edward IV was born on April 28, 1442, at Rouen in Normandy, France, the eldest son of Richard, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. His father was a powerful nobleman with a legitimate claim to the English throne, descended from Edward III through both the York and Lancaster lines. This connection positioned Edward IV and his family at the center of the brewing conflict between the rival houses of York and Lancaster.
Raised during a period of political instability and growing factionalism, Edward grew up witnessing the decline of the Lancastrian King Henry VI’s rule. The king’s bouts of mental illness and weak leadership created an opportunity for the Yorkists to press their claim.
The Wars of the Roses and Edward’s Rise
The Wars of the Roses was a dynastic struggle for the English crown between the rival houses of York and Lancaster, both branches of the royal Plantagenet family. Edward’s father, Richard of York, initially positioned himself as Protector of the Realm during Henry VI’s incapacitation, but he was killed in battle in 1460.
Edward inherited his father’s claim and leadership of the Yorkist cause. He proved himself a brilliant military commander early on, notably at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross in February 1461, where his forces decisively defeated Lancastrian troops. Just weeks later, Edward’s army defeated Henry VI’s forces at the Battle of Towton (March 1461), one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought on English soil. This victory secured Edward’s ascent to the throne.
On March 4, 1461, Edward IV was proclaimed King of England, marking the beginning of his first reign. His coronation took place later that year in June. shutdown123