D. Edward was the eldest surviving son of Richard, duke of York, who was the lineal descendant of Lionel, duke of Clarence, son of Edward III. B. at Rouen, 1441. M. Elizabeth Woodville. Dd. at Westminster, April 9, 1483. R. 22 years (1461 to 1483).
1461. Edward defeated the Lancastrians, under the duke of Somerset (son of the duke slain at St. Alban’s), at Towton, in Yorkshire: total loss 38,000 (Mar. 29). Henry and Margaret escaped into Scotland.
1464. The Lancastrians defeated at Hedgley Moor (April 25), and Hexham (May 15). The duke of Somerset captured in the second battle, and executed.
1467. Jealousy between the Woodvilles (relatives of the queen) and the Nevilles (or Warwick family). The latter had been, up to this time, the most strenuous supporters of the Yorkists.
1469. An insurrection broke out, and the royal forces were defeated at Edgecote, near Banbury (July 26). The queen’s father and one of her brothers captured soon after, and beheaded by the insurgents.
1470. An insurrection in Lincolnshire. The insurgents defeated by the king at Stamford (Mar. 12). The earl of Warwick, the duke of Clarence (brother of Edward IV.), and Queen Margaret, met at the court of Louis XI. of France, and were reconciled. Warwick and Clarence invaded England, and proclaimed Henry VI. Edward escaped to Flanders.
In this year a battle was fought between the friends and retainers of Lord Berkeley, and those of Lord Lisle, at Nibley Green, in Gloucestershire—the last instance of a pitched battle between two powerful noblemen in England.
1471. Edward returned, and was soon joined by Clarence. The Lancastrians, under Warwick, defeated by Edward at Barnet: Warwick, “the king-maker,” slain (April 14). Margaret landed at Weymouth, and was defeated by Edward at Tewkesbury (May 4). Prince Edward assassinated, and the duke of Somerset (brother of the commander at Hexham) executed.
1475. Edward demanded the crown of France, and invaded the country to enforce his claim. Treaty of Pecquigny (Aug. 29).