Individual Details

Edward Plantagenet [York] V, King of England (9 Apr 1483 - 26 Jun 1483)

(2 Nov 1470 - Aug 1483)



Edward succeeded to the throne on the death of his father. However the marriage of his mother and father was declared invalid; therefore, he was illegitimate and could not be King. His uncle Richard, his "Protector" was crowned King. It is believe Edward and his younger brother Richard were murdered shortly after.

The five principal suspects are King Richard, his erstwhile ally Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham; Richard's servant James Tyrrell, and Margaret Beaufort and her son Henry Tudor, who defeated Richard at Bosworth Field and took the throne as Henry VII. As king, Henry claimed that Richard was the murderer, and this became the official version of events.

Bones were discovered in 1674 by workmen rebuilding a stairway in the Tower, and these were subsequently placed in Westminster Abbey, in an urn bearing the names of Edward and Richard. However it has never been proven that the bones belonged to the princes. In 1789, workmen carrying out repairs in St George's Chapel, Windsor, rediscovered and accidentally broke into the vault of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. Adjoining this was another vault, which was found to contain the coffins of two unidentified children. However no inspection or examination was conducted and the tomb was resealed.

Events

Birth2 Nov 1470
King of England9 Apr 1483 - 26 Jun 1483
DeathAug 1483

Families