THE HOUSE OF YORK.

Edward IV.

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).

The most important article of the treaty was that Edward agreed to a truce for 7 years, on condition of receiving an annuity from Louis XI.

1478. Edward prosecuted his brother Clarence for high treason. He was condemned, and is said to have been drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine.

Edward was the first sovereign who exacted benevolences from his subjects. Tonnage and poundage were granted to him for life.

Edward V.

D. He was the son of Edward IV. B. In the Sanctuary at Westminster 1470. Said to have been murdered in the Tower about Aug., 1483. R. from April 9 to June 26, 1483.

1483. Richard, duke of Gloucester, the king’s uncle, made protector. Lord Hastings, and the earl of Rivers, the king’s maternal uncle, executed. Richard was offered the crown, which he accepted.

Richard III., surnamed Crookback.

D. He was brother of Edward IV. B. at Fotheringay Castle, 1450. M. Anne, daughter of the earl of Warwick, and widow of Prince Edward. Slain at Bosworth Field, Aug. 22, 1485. R. 2 years (1483 to 1485).

1483. The duke of Buckingham, hitherto Richard’s chief adherent, joined in a conspiracy to raise Henry, earl of Richmond, to the throne, but was captured, and beheaded at Salisbury.

1484. A parliament met, and enacted several beneficial laws: these laws were the first entirely drawn up in English. On the death of his son, Richard declared his nephew, John de la Pole, earl of Lincoln, heir to the throne.

1485. Henry of Richmond invaded England. The two armies met at BOSWORTH, where Richard was defeated and slain (Aug. 22).