DYNASTIES DIVIDED

EDWARD IV

THE POWERFUL WARRIOR KING WHOSE BATTLEFIELD SUCCESS ESTABLISHED THE YORKIST DYNASTY 1442-83 YORKIST

Although the final clash between Richard III and Henry Tudor defines the Wars of the Roses in the popular imagination, it was Edward IV who was by far the most dynamic and successful commander of the dynastic conflict.

Edward was the eldest son of Richard, Duke of York and began fighting in the wars aged only 17. Aided by his father’s closest ally the earl of Warwick, Edward became a formidable battlefield commander. Warwick and Edward won a significant victory at Northampton in July 1460, where Henry VI was captured, and the Yorkists began to unofficially rule England. York then officially attempted to claim the throne, prompting a Lancastrian revolt. After York was killed at Wakefield in December 1460 Edward became