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Edward V (1483-1483)

The life of King Edward V was a short one, and it ended in tragedy. He was born in 1470 and became king at the age of just twelve, after his father, King Edward IV, passed away.

Edward V was the son of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV. He was made prince of Wales in June 1471.

His uncle Richard duke of Gloucester, was named protector while Edward was a child, took control of the country. However, Edward’s uncle was not popular with the Woodvilles, and they soon began to demand that Edward take control of the throne himself.

In 1483, Edward’s uncle arrested Edward V and his younger brother Richard and locked them in the Tower of London. He claimed that the children were illegitimate and therefore had no claim to the throne.

It is believed that he had them killed so that he could keep control of the throne for himself.

Edward’s death was a sad end to a short life.

Edward’s uncle Richard, duke of Gloucester was crowned Richard III in 1483 just a few months after his brother Edward IV died.

Two skeletons found in the Tower in 1674 during the reign of Charles II are thought to be those of Edward V and his brother.

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