Edward V

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Edward V (1470-83) King of England (April-June 1483):

Eldest son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. After his accession Edward and his younger brother were imprisoned in the Tower by their uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who had strongly opposed their father's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, because she was a widow and not of noble blood. Their uncle usurped the throne as Richard III in June 1483. The children never emerged alive. Con- temporaries believed that they were murdered by Richard in the Tower in autumn 1483. And, indeed, a wooden chest containing the bones of two children was found in 1674. These remains were buried in Westminster Abbey as Edward V, King of England, and his brother, Richard, 5th Duke of York and 6th Duke of Norfolk. Many modern historians doubt this story, but probably, the true fate of the brothers will never be discovered.

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