The True Story That Became "The Game of Thrones" | ROYALTY NOW

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King Edward IV's rise to power amidst civil war, conflicts with Lancastrians, and battles against King Henry VI eventually led to his coronation as King of England. Despite facing internal disputes and betrayals within his family, Edward solidified his claim to the throne through strategic battles and alliances, ultimately paving the way for his reign and the York dynasty.

Insights

  • The War of the Roses, a conflict between the Lancastrians and Yorks, was fueled by King Edward III's decision to skip his living sons in the line of succession, leading to a civil war marked by symbolic red and white roses.
  • Edward IV's rise to power, marked by victories in battles like Mortimer's Cross and Towton, solidified his claim to the English Throne despite initial setbacks, showcasing his military prowess and strategic acumen in securing the crown.

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Recent questions

  • Who were the key figures in the War of the Roses?

    The War of the Roses was primarily fought between the Lancastrians, represented by a red rose, and the Yorks, represented by a white rose. Richard of York, a prominent figure in the York family, rose to power during King Richard II's reign, leading to conflicts with the Lancastrians and eventually the war.

  • What led to the Battle of Towton, and who emerged victorious?

    The Battle of Towton, the largest and bloodiest battle on English soil, was a result of the ongoing conflict between the Yorkists and Lancastrians. The Yorks emerged victorious over the Lancasters in this decisive battle, solidifying Edward IV's claim as king of England.

  • How did Edward IV establish his claim to the English Throne?

    Edward IV established his claim to the English Throne through a series of military victories and strategic alliances. After avenging his family's deaths and defeating Henry VI at the Battle of Mortimer's Cross, Edward's crowning achievement came at the Battle of Towton, where the Yorks emerged victorious over the Lancasters, securing his position as King Edward IV of England.

  • What caused the rift between Edward IV and Warwick?

    The rift between Edward IV and Warwick, also known as the Kingmaker, was caused by Edward's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville. Warwick, who had been negotiating with France for Edward's marriage to a French princess, felt betrayed by Edward's decision to marry Elizabeth, leading to a breakdown in their alliance and eventual conflict.

  • How did Edward IV regain power after fleeing England?

    Edward IV regained power in England after fleeing from Warwick and his brother George's betrayal. With the support of the nobility and strategic military maneuvers, Edward was able to defeat Warwick and reclaim his position as king, solidifying his rule over England.

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Summary

00:00

The Rise of Edward IV in England

  • King Edward IV was born on April 28th, 1442, to Richard, the third Duke of York, during a time of economic struggle and defeat for England in the Hundred Years War.
  • The tension in England led to a civil war between the Lancastrians, represented by a red rose, and the Yorks, represented by a white rose, stemming from King Edward III's decision to skip his living sons in the line of succession.
  • Richard of York, a key figure in the York family, rose to power during King Richard II's reign, leading to conflicts with the Lancastrians and eventually the War of the Roses.
  • King Henry VI's reign was marked by unrest and reliance on advisors, notably Margaret of Anjou, who wielded significant influence over him, causing discontent among the English people.
  • Edward IV's birth coincided with growing instability and revolts against King Henry VI, leading to Richard of York's rise to power as a potential leader against the crown.
  • Richard of York's bid for power, including a request to be recognized as heir to the English Throne, resulted in his imprisonment and release only after swearing allegiance to the king.
  • The Battle of Caston in 1453 marked a catastrophic defeat for England, leading to King Henry VI's mental breakdown and the establishment of a Regency Council to govern the country.
  • Richard of York's appointment as Lord Protector of England sparked division among noble families along the York-Lancaster line, culminating in the first Battle of St. Albans in 1455, a decisive York victory.
  • Despite King Henry VI's recovery and subsequent removal of Richard of York as Lord Protector, support for the York cause grew, leading to confrontations and battles between the Yorkists and Lancastrians.
  • The Battle of Wakefield in December 1460 resulted in a catastrophic loss for the Yorkists, with Richard of York and his son Edmund killed, leaving Edward IV, just 18 years old, as the new Duke of York and heir apparent to the English Throne.

17:32

Edward IV's Rise and Fall in England

  • Edward IV avenges his family's deaths by defeating Henry VI and his stepfather Owen Tudor at the Battle of Mortimer's Cross.
  • A meteorological phenomenon called parhelion occurs during the battle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity and Edward's divine right to be king.
  • Despite Margaret defeating Warwick at the Second Battle of St. Albans, the Lancasters remain unpopular, leading to Edward and Warwick's successful march on London.
  • Edward is crowned King Edward IV of England on March 4th, 1461, but knows the true crown can only be won on the battlefield against Margaret.
  • The Battle of Towton becomes the largest and bloodiest battle on English soil, with the Yorks emerging victorious over the Lancasters.
  • Edward pardons many nobles who fought against him, solidifying his claim as king, while Warwick becomes the most powerful noble in England.
  • Warwick's attempt to negotiate with France leads to Edward secretly marrying Elizabeth Woodville, causing a rift between Edward and Warwick.
  • Warwick plots to replace Edward with George, Duke of Clarence, leading to a betrayal of Edward and the York line in favor of Margaret and King Louis of France.
  • George and Warwick invade England, forcing Edward to flee, but Edward regains power with the support of the nobility and defeats Warwick.
  • Edward's peace is short-lived as internal disputes within his family lead to George's execution, and Edward's sudden death in 1483, leaving Richard III to take the throne.

36:18

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