80
EDWARD Y.
so long as Prince Edward lived to represent the Lancastrian cause.
Now, however, the ex-King would serve as a point around
Death of ich his party might rally. His death wonld plaily
Henry VI. . EL .
be serviceable to the King’s cause, and we are not sur.
prised to hear that it alınost immediately followed that of his son. It
was given out that he had died of grief,
11. We have seen that Kdward’s brother, the Duke of Clarence,
aad, under the influence of Warwick, deserted his cause at a eritien|
time. Though the Duke afterwards deserted his father
Death of in-law and assisted Edward at the Battle of Barnet, hc
Clarence. En .
was never foryiven, When once secure on his throne,
Edward had Claren-e „ceused and convieted of treason. His death in
some unknown manner followed soon after,
12. From the Baltle of Tewkesbury until his death Edward IV.
Edwards reiyned alınut twelve years. These were marked by no
veign events of consequence, In 1475 he invaded France; but
* nothing enme of the movenent except the so-called Treaty
ff Pecquiqny, by which Kdward agreed to relcase Margaret of Anjou
for a stipulated price; and to give his eldest davghter, Elizabeth, in
marriage to the Dauphin. "Che latter agreement was never fulfilled,
Kdward’s favorite method of raising money for the support of his
government and of his pleasıres was by means of‘ benevolences,” or
forced loans, exacted from wealthy nohbles and merchants. He was
thus comparatively independent of Parliament.
13. Kdward’s constitution was impaired by intemperance, and he
died in April 1483, at tho early age of forty-two. He
Death of left two sons—-Edward, aged twelve, and Richard, aged
Edward IV. x a1:
nine; also five daughters, the eldest of whom, Elizabeth.
zubsequentlv became the wife and Queen of Henry VIL
CHAPTER XXVIL
PLANTAGENET LINE: HOUSE OF YORK.-EDWARD V
April to June, 1483 A.D.
1. Edward V., who reigned for a few months as nominul King of
England, was a lad of twelve at his father’'s death. When that event
‘ took place he was at Lndlow Castle, in charge of Lord
Accession Rivers, his maternal uncele, On his way to London, he
Baw ri y. was met by his father's brother, Richard, Duke of
Gloucester. Rivers and the King's half-brother, Lord
Grey, were treacherausiy seized by Gloucester and thrown into prison.
Kaward himself was brought to London, and placed under guard in
Ihe Tower, His mother, with her other son and her five daughters.
‘00k refuge in Westminster +