Edward IV

1442-1483

Son of the Duke of York and Cecily Nevill, aunt of the Earl of Warwick (the kingmaker), Edward was King of England from 1461-70 and 1470-83. His father who had a strong claim to the throne, took over government in the incapacity of Henry VI, and also took up arms against him, but after successes that increased his control and established him as the heir to Henry, he was killed at the battle of Wakefield.

Edward quickly proved himself a very capable military leader, who never lost a battle, and took the throne after defeating Henry VI on 2 different occasions, the second after fleeing abroad when Henry briefly regained the throne, having caught him off guard.

He was a very tall, imposing and- contrary to a later portrait of him- good looking young man, strikingly different from the drab and weak Henry VI. He was considered an approachable rather than austere character, and was well known as a womaniser, with a succession of mistresses.

He proved a capable King, more popular in his second rule, with an improving economy and restoration of law and order. He crushed a revolt by his brother the Duke of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick, who was killed in battle. Having pardoned Clarence, he later had him imprisoned and killed as a renewed threat. He failed to regain lands in France lost under Henry VI, but did receive considerable sums from the French king for a peaceful settlement rather than war. He died of illness unexpectedly young.