Edward V and Richard III

Edward IV Death

Edward IV died short notice leaving his 12 year old son Edward as the next heir.
As Edward is only 12 he is 4 years too young to rule independently and 5 years too old for everyone to accept the need for a protector - Richard of Gloucester.
Edward IV died in Westminister but his heir was in Ludlow while his protector (Richard) was in Yorkshire.
both made their way to London: Edward accompanied by his maternal uncle, Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers and armed escort.
Richard accompanied by an armed escort - on his way he met up with Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham.
Richard and Buckingham intercepted Edward V at Strony Stratford in Buckinghamshire before they could reach London - Richards plan was to secure custody of the King to ensure he controlled the events.

1 of 4

Richard arrested 3 of the King's entourage - Rivers (Queen's brother), Richard Grey (Queen's son) and Sir Thomas Vaughan (welshman, private treasurer).
Secure from the 'Woodville threat', Edward was brought to London.
There was a debate whether Edward could rule without a protector - he could rule through a council of nobles, this idea was put forward by the Woodvilles.
OR, Richard could be incharge of the King.
If richard wasn't the protector of Edward then he would be introuble because of his recent actions but if he was protector then he would be incharge for only a few years.
So, Richard decided to Usurp the throne.

2 of 4

For Richard to claim the throne, he needed to bar Edward and his brother from the throne.
The Bishop of Bath and Wells claimed that both Edward and Richard were bastards therefore neither of them could become King.
Because of this, Richard cancelled Edwards coronation and later forced Elizabeth Woodville to hand over her other son to live in the Tower of London with his brother.
There was meeting in the tower with leading councillors - Lord Hastings was arrested and decapitated.
The other councillors thought that Richard was the rightful king.
After showing his power and cunning Richard was crowned on 6th July 1483 but wasnt confirmed by parliament until the next year.

3 of 4

1940- Edward IV had been overthrown by brother (Clarence) and cousin (Warwick) - Richard went into exile with Edward.
Richard and Edward returned and fought alongside him at Barnet and Tewkesbury.
Richard led troops into Scotland.
After his father died he was on his way to exile in the low countries - a few weeks later his brother, Edward, was proclaimed kings.
Clarence and Warwick overthrew Edward leaving Richard in exile.
Although Edward's second reign had been peaceful enough, Richard's political mentality was shaped by these earlier events - So in 1483, he panicked.
Despite his enormous power, he believed the rumours of Woodville plots against his person and foresaw his own downfall unless he acted decisively.

4 of 4