Edward IV of England was a King of England central to the Wars of the Roses. He was the husband of Elizabeth Woodville, brother of Richard III of England and George, Duke of Clarence, and father of the so-called "Princes in the Tower". His elder "son" was known as the un-crowned "Edward V of England". After his unexpected death, his marriage to Elizabeth was ruled improper by Richard and his sons declared necessarily illegitimate.
This ruse was necessary in order to maintain his house through his brother, since the truth was that he and Elizabeth had never produced a male heir. The person whom everyone believed was "Edward V" was in fact a serving wench called "Susan" and her "brother" was really a girl called "Judith".
Edward IV's eldest child was also called Elizabeth. (AUDIO: The Kingmaker)
Behind the scenes
- He has been portrayed by Julian Glover and Brian Protheroe in various BBC series.