The Commoner Who Became A Queen | Elizabeth Woodville | The Real White Queen | Wars of the Roses

History's Forgotten People・2 minutes read

Elizabeth Woodville played a key role in the Roses conflict between noble houses in the 15th century, navigating political turmoil, marriage controversies, and power struggles to secure her family's position within the Yorkist regime, ultimately retiring as Queen dowager after supporting Henry Tudor's claim to the throne and surviving multiple challenges.

Insights

  • Elizabeth Woodville's marriage to Edward IV of England in 1464, despite controversy, solidified the Woodville family's position within the Yorkist regime, integrating her relatives into the new reign and securing alliances to maintain influence.
  • Elizabeth's strategic moves during political turmoil, including seeking sanctuary and ensuring her children's safety, showcased her resilience and determination in navigating the volatile political landscape, ultimately contributing to the Woodville family's survival and success.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Who was Elizabeth Woodville?

    Noblewoman involved in the Cousins' War.

  • What were the repercussions of Elizabeth's secret marriage?

    Challenges faced by the Woodville family.

  • How did Elizabeth navigate political turmoil?

    Demonstrated resilience and determination.

  • What role did Elizabeth play in Henry Tudor's claim to the throne?

    Supported Henry Tudor's claim financially.

  • How did Elizabeth's life unfold after Edward IV's death?

    Retired as Queen dowager until her death.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Elizabeth Woodville: Rise to English Royalty

  • The Roses, known as the Cousins' War in the 15th century, was a conflict between two noble houses vying for royalty, with Elizabeth Woodville playing a significant role in both the wars and their resolution.
  • Elizabeth's birth caused a scandal due to her mother, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, being a noblewoman from an old Luxembourg family and the daughter of an account, leading to her marriage at a young age to John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford.
  • After John's death, Jacquetta was ordered to England by King Henry VI, where she fell in love with Richard Woodville, despite their differing social ranks, leading to a secret marriage before March 1437.
  • The couple faced repercussions for their secret marriage, but their first child, possibly born on October 24th, was named Elizabeth, and the family moved to Grafton Manor in Northampton, gaining prominence.
  • Henry VI's incapacitation led to a power struggle, with Richard Duke of York taking over as protector of the kingdom, escalating tensions between the houses of Lancaster and York, setting the stage for the Woodville family's rise.
  • Elizabeth's marriage to Edward IV of England in a quiet ceremony in 1464 caused controversy due to her status as a widowed woman with children, but she became Queen in 1465, with her first child with Edward, Elizabeth, born in 1466.
  • Elizabeth and Edward's marriage faced challenges, including accusations of witchcraft against Jacquetta and Elizabeth by the Earl of Warwick, leading to tensions and alliances shifting within the royal court.
  • Warwick's rebellion against Edward IV in 1470 forced the king to flee to Flanders, while Elizabeth sought sanctuary at Westminster Abbey, where she gave birth to her first son with Edward, named Edward, who became the new heir to the crown.
  • Elizabeth's strategic moves during the political turmoil, including seeking sanctuary and securing her children's safety, showcased her resilience and determination in navigating the volatile political landscape.
  • Despite the challenges and conspiracies faced by the Woodville family, Elizabeth's marriage to Edward IV solidified their position within the Yorkist regime, integrating her relatives into the new reign and securing alliances to maintain their influence.

18:36

Elizabeth of York: Queen, Mother, Strategist

  • Edward IV returned in March 1471, taking back the city of York and London, reinstating himself as king and sending Henry VI to the Tower of London where he died suspiciously.
  • Elizabeth, after losing her brother and father, resumed her role as Queen consort, while the Lancastrians were defeated at Tewkesbury, including Henry VI's only child.
  • Elizabeth, praised for her beauty and intelligence, engaged in various charitable activities during a time of peace, aiming to portray the royal family as pious leaders.
  • Edward IV's death in 1483 led to Richard Duke of Gloucester becoming protector, causing Elizabeth to flee with her sons to Westminster Abbey.
  • Richard arrested Edward V's relatives, leading to their execution, and claimed Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth was invalid, making their children illegitimate.
  • Elizabeth's sons disappeared, presumed dead, and she conspired with the Duke of Buckingham and Margaret Beaufort to support Henry Tudor's claim to the throne.
  • Elizabeth supported Henry Tudor financially and publicly left her daughters under Richard III's protection, secretly aiding Henry's return to England.
  • After Henry's victory at Bosworth, Elizabeth's lands were taken, but she was reinstated as Queen dowager, retiring to Bermondsey Abbey until her death in 1492.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.