Edward V of England

NAME Edward V was born Edward of York. He held numerous titles before ascending to the throne, including Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Earl of March, and Earl of Pembroke.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Edward V is famous for being one of the "Princes in the Tower," a young king who reigned for only 77 days before disappearing under mysterious circumstances, presumed murdered, during the Wars of the Roses. His brief reign and unresolved fate have made him a figure of intrigue in English history.

BIRTH Edward was born on November 2, 1470, at Cheyneygates, the medieval house of the Abbot of Westminster adjoining Westminster Abbey. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND Edward was born into the royal House of York during the Wars of the Roses. He was the fourth child but first son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, whose marriage had been deeply unpopular with many nobles, particularly the Earl of Warwick ('the Kingmaker'). This controversial marriage would later become central to questions about Edward's legitimacy. His father reclaimed the throne in spring 1471, defeating Warwick and capturing Henry VI, thus restoring the House of York to power.

He had several siblings, including his younger brother Richard of Shrewsbury and sisters Elizabeth (later Queen consort to Henry VII) and Cecily.

CHILDHOOD Following his father's restoration to the throne, Edward was created Prince of Wales and given the Order of the Garter the following year. In 1473, at just three years old, Edward was given his own household at Ludlow Castle in the Welsh Marches, separate from his parents and siblings who remained in London. This established him as the nominal president of the Council of Wales and the Marches.

From a young age, Edward was placed in positions of significance. He was knighted alongside his brother Richard in April 1475 at Westminster. Two months later, he was appointed keeper of the realm and lieutenant when his father was in France for war. He was also delegated to meet with Marcher lords in 1476. By 1479, Edward had officially received the titles of Earl of March and Earl of Pembroke, adding to his existing titles of Earl of Chester and Duke of Cornwall. (1)

Depiction of Edward as Prince of Wales in 1477

EDUCATION  Edward received an exceptional education under the supervision of his maternal uncle, Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, who was appointed "the Prince's master" (Governor). Edward IV set down precise conditions for his son's upbringing and education at Ludlow, with a rigorous daily schedule.

The young prince studied languages including Latin and French, and learned proper court manners. As he grew older, his education expanded to include playing musical instruments, singing, dancing, archery, riding, and jousting. He was accompanied by other young aristocrats, including his half-brother Richard Grey.

Contemporary accounts attest to Edward's remarkable intellectual abilities. Italian visitor Dominic Mancini wrote that Edward gave "many proofs of his liberal education" and noted his "special knowledge of literature, which enabled him to discourse elegantly, to understand fully and to disclaim most excellently from any work whether in verse or prose". By age 12, Edward had "read widely" and his literary skills were "highly developed by late medieval standards". (2)

CAREER RECORD Edward's official duties began at a very young age. As Prince of Wales based at Ludlow Castle, he presided over his own council, though real authority rested with his governor and councilors.

Succeeded his father as King of England on April 9, 1483, at the age of 12.

His reign was extremely short, lasting only a few months, and he was never crowned.

APPEARANCE Contemporary accounts describe Edward V as remarkably handsome. Dominic Mancini, who was in London during Edward's brief reign, described him as having "such dignity in his own person, and in his face such charm that however much they might gaze, he never wearied the eyes of beholders". (2)

Historian Michael Hicks described him as "a very good-looking boy" whose happy father had celebrated his birth by describing him as "whole and furnished in nature". (2)

A late-16th- or early-17th-century imagining of Edward

FASHION Edward would have worn the finest clothing of the period. Royal wardrobes of the time typically included sumptuous fabrics like velvet, damask, and cloth of gold with elaborate embroidery, befitting the highest rank in the realm.

CHARACTER Edward V emerges from contemporary accounts as a remarkably promising young man. He possessed "dignity in his own person," was "brought up virtuously by virtuous men," and was "remarkably gifted". John Russell, who was to be Chancellor in Edward's government, described the young king as having a "gentle wit and ripe understanding far surpassing the nature of his youth".

Despite his scholarly nature, Edward was not merely passive. Hicks suggests that Edward could be "lively, perhaps even assertive and resistant to authority". This spirit showed itself when Richard arrested his household officers at Stoney Stratford. According to Mancini, Edward responded with dignity, stating that his ministers had been chosen by his father and he "wished to keep them unless proved to be evil". (2)

SPEAKING VOICE Mancini emphasized Edward's verbal abilities, noting that he could "discourse elegantly" and "declaim most excellently" from various works. (2)

When standing up to his uncle Richard at Stoney Stratford, twelve-year-old Edward reportedly spoke with dignity and assurance, displaying a maturity beyond his years in his verbal response to this challenging situation.

SENSE OF HUMOUR His father's strict instructions for his upbringing prohibited anyone in his household from using "words of ribaldry" (vulgar jokes), suggesting he was raised in an environment that discouraged crude humor. Given his scholarly nature and the formal environment in which he was raised, Edward was likely educated to appreciate the refined wit appropriate to courtly settings.

RELATIONSHIPS Edward's key relationships were largely shaped by his position as heir to the throne and the political dynamics of the time. He was close to his maternal uncle, Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, who supervised his education and household at Ludlow.

His half-brother Richard Grey (his mother's son from a previous marriage) was part of his household and inner circle at Ludlow. His relationship with his younger brother Richard, Duke of York (the other "Prince in the Tower"), is not extensively documented but they shared the same tragic fate.

The most consequential relationship in Edward's short life was with his uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Initially appearing to act in Edward's interest as Lord Protector, Richard ultimately intercepted the young king on his journey to London, arrested his maternal relatives, and eventually declared Edward illegitimate and took the throne himself. 

Portrait of Richard III of England, painted by Barthel ii  c. 1520

MONEY AND FAME As Prince of Wales and briefly king, Edward commanded substantial wealth and resources. He inherited a relatively well-managed treasury from his father, Edward IV. Edward's household at Ludlow was substantial, with more than fifty people in his service, including his own confessor, chaplains, and physicians. 

FOOD AND DRINK Edward’s diet would have included the rich fare of the medieval nobility: roasted meats, game, bread, spiced wines, and occasional sweets like fruit tarts, though his youth may have limited indulgence.

The aristocratic diet of the period featured elaborate meals typically served twice daily - dinner around 11 am and supper around 5 pm.

Edward would have drunk wine, which was the beverage of choice for nobility, rather than the ale consumed by commoners.

MUSIC AND ARTS Edward's education included training in "playing musical instruments, singing and dancing".  His father Edward IV was known for his appreciation of literature and art, and wanted his son to develop similar tastes. (3)

As Prince of Wales and briefly as king, Edward would have been exposed to the finest music, art, and cultural experiences available in 15th-century England, including musical performances at court and religious ceremonies.

LITERATURE Edward possessed "special knowledge of literature" that was remarkable for a boy of his age. He had "read widely by age 12" and his literary skills were "highly developed by late medieval standards". Mancini specifically noted Edward's ability to "discourse elegantly, to understand fully and to disclaim most excellently from any work whether in verse or prose".

His father, Edward IV, was eager that his son and heir should share his literary interests. After dinner, Edward would have "noble stories" read to him, specifically "stories of virtue, honour, cunning, wisdom, and of deeds of worship" but nothing that would "move or stir him to vice". (2)

NATURE As a medieval prince who engaged in hunting, hawking, and riding, he would have spent considerable time outdoors in the Welsh Marches surrounding Ludlow Castle, developing an understanding of the natural world essential for the outdoor pursuits expected of nobility.

18th-century depiction of Ludlow Castle by Samuel Scott,

PETS  His recreation time at Ludlow included activities with "horses and dogs", though whether these were personal pets or part of the royal household's working animals is not specified. (3)

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Edward's education included physical activities appropriate for a future king. He learned archery, riding, and jousting as he grew older. At Ludlow, he engaged in "horses and dogs and other youthful exertions to build bodily strength". 

As a young nobleman, Edward would have participated in typical medieval aristocratic pastimes including hunting and hawking, which were not merely recreational but essential skills for a medieval ruler. His daily schedule at Ludlow included dedicated time for "recreation and exercises" after his studies. (3)

SCIENCE AND MATHS A princely education in the 15th century would likely have included some instruction in practical mathematics necessary for managing accounts and estates, as well as elements of astronomy and natural philosophy considered essential knowledge for educated nobility.

REIGN Edward V’s reign was, to put it mildly, rather short—just 77 days between April 9 and June 25, 1483. That’s about the length of a decent British summer, though considerably less cheerful. The poor lad was only twelve years old when his father, Edward IV, rather inconsiderately died without much warning, leaving young Edward as king. But being king in name and actually ruling were two very different things, especially when you had an uncle like Richard, Duke of Gloucester, lurking about.

Richard, who had been named Lord Protector, wasted little time in making his presence felt. As Edward was making his way from Ludlow to London for his coronation, Richard intercepted him at Northampton—a bit like a medieval traffic stop, but with significantly worse consequences. Edward’s maternal uncle Anthony Woodville and his half-brother Richard Grey were promptly arrested, shipped off to Pontefract Castle, and soon after, executed.

When Edward finally reached London, he was lodged in the Tower of London—allegedly to prepare for his coronation, though history suggests it was rather more of a one-way ticket. On June 22, a preacher outside Old St. Paul’s Cathedral delivered the bombshell that Edward and his siblings were illegitimate, thanks to an alleged pre-contract between Edward IV and Eleanor Butler. This conveniently invalidated Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, clearing the way for Richard to, as they say, step up.

Richard accepted the throne on June 26 and was crowned July 6, which meant Edward’s reign ended before he even got a whiff of a crown. He and his brother, Richard, Duke of York, vanished from public view soon after, giving history one of its great unsolved mysteries—and Richard III a rather dubious reputation.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY As Prince of Wales, Edward's daily routine included morning prayers, Mass, and evening prayers (Evensong), indicating the expected religious observances of a medieval Christian prince.

Edward was described as "pious" in character, and his education would have emphasized Christian virtues and theology appropriate for a future monarch who would be head of the secular government but expected to support and defend the Church. (2)

POLITICS Despite his youth, Edward was already navigating complex political waters. The tensions between his mother's Woodville family and his uncle Richard became the defining political conflict of his brief reign.

When Richard arrested Edward's household officers at Stoney Stratford, the young king reportedly defended his ministers, stating that "he merely had those ministers whom his father had given him, and relying on his father's prudence, he believed that good and faithful ones had been given him". This shows a remarkable political awareness for a twelve-year-old. (1)

Edward's political position was undermined by Richard's claim that Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was invalid, making Edward illegitimate and therefore ineligible for the throne. This claim was formalized in the act Titulus Regius, which Parliament passed in January 1484 to legitimize Richard's rule.

SCANDAL The principal scandal surrounding Edward V was the claim of his illegitimacy, which Richard III used to take the throne. Richard alleged that Edward IV had been pre-contracted to marry Eleanor Butler before his marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, rendering that marriage invalid and their children illegitimate.

This allegation was proclaimed by Ralph Shaa in a sermon at St. Paul's Cathedral on June 22, 1483, but many contemporaries viewed it as a pretext for Richard's usurpation. The claim was never properly investigated by an ecclesiastical court, which would have been the appropriate authority to judge the validity of a marriage. 

After Henry VII took the throne, he repealed the Titulus Regius, restoring the legitimacy of Edward V and his siblings.

MILITARY RECORD Edward V's education included training in martial skills appropriate for a future king, including riding, archery, and jousting, but he never had the opportunity to lead armies or participate in military campaigns.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS The question of Edward's health has been debated by historians. Some have suggested he was frail, but evidence indicates otherwise. He participated in "vigorous exertions and activities" at Ludlow and traveled frequently, even in winter, suggesting reasonable physical robustness.

His daily routine at Ludlow included physical activities to "build bodily strength". Mancini noted that Edward engaged in "youthful exertions," though the nature of these activities isn't specified.

HOMES Edward's primary residence from age three until his father's death was Ludlow Castle in Shropshire, where he presided over his own household and the Council of Wales and the Marches. Ludlow was one of the first stone castles built in England and by Edward's time had been extensively developed as both a defensive structure and residence suitable for royal occupation.

Upon traveling to London after his father's death, Edward initially stayed at the Bishop of London's palace before being moved to the royal apartments of the Tower of London, ostensibly in preparation for his coronation. The Tower, contrary to its later reputation, was a royal residence as well as a fortress, though for Edward and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury  it ultimately became a prison.

King Edward V and the Duke of York in the Tower of London by Paul Delaroche. 

TRAVEL Edward traveled between various royal residences and important locations in England. In 1473, his parents took him to the Welsh Marches at least twice. He regularly traveled from Ludlow to Westminster for Christmas festivities.

His final journey was from Ludlow toward London following his father's death in April 1483. This journey became fateful when Richard intercepted him at Northampton and Stony Stratford, arresting his Woodville relatives and taking control of the young king.

DEATH The fate of Edward V remains one of history's greatest mysteries. He and his brother Richard, Duke of York, disappeared from public view in the summer of 1483 after being lodged in the Tower of London.

While it has never been conclusively proven that the princes were murdered, historical suspicion has fallen heavily on Richard III, who had the most to gain from their deaths. In recent years, Professor Tim Thornton discovered new evidence that may link Sir James Tyrell, a loyal aide to Richard III, to the princes' disappearance through a reference to Edward V's chain in a will created 33 years after the events.

In 1674, builders at the Tower unearthed skeletal remains of two people, which were declared to be the princes and reinterred in Westminster Abbey. However, analysis remains inconclusive, and their identity has never been definitively established.

Alternative theories suggest that one or both princes may have survived. Some propose that Edward escaped and lived out his life in disguise, possibly at Coldridge in Devon, where a stained glass window depicts him.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Edward V appears as a character in Shakespeare's play Richard III, where he is portrayed as a bright, articulate child who unwittingly walks into his uncle's trap. This portrayal has influenced numerous film and television adaptations.

A rare contemporary depiction of Edward exists in stained glass at St. Matthew's Church in Coldridge, Devon, one of only four contemporary glass portraits of him. He is also depicted in the Evans Chantry at the same church, which has led to theories that Edward might have survived and lived there in disguise as "John Evans".

Edward's story continues to fascinate historians and the public, inspiring books, documentaries, and dramatic interpretations exploring the mystery of the Princes in the Tower.

ACHIEVEMENTS Edward’s achievements are negligible due to his short life and reign. His legacy lies in the enduring mystery of his fate, which has shaped historical narratives about the Wars of the Roses.

Sources (1) Ludlow Castle (2) Edward V 1483 (3) A Medieval Potpourri