Edward IV, England's Forgotten Warrior King

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As the 100 Years War came to a close, England suffered under the misrule of Henry VI and his Lancastrian supporters. The House of York rebelled, leading to Parliament restoring York's claim to the throne. Edward, Earl of March, emerged victorious at the Battle of Mortimer's Cross and was proclaimed Edward IV. His reign began with struggles against Lancastrian uprisings, including being ousted by Richard, Earl of Warwick. However, Edward achieved significant victories at the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury in 1471. For twelve years, he ruled wisely, bringing peace and prosperity, but died at age forty-one, leaving his twelve-year-old son, Edward V, as heir. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, usurped the throne, imprisoning Edward V and his brother in the Tower of London, where they disappeared. Richard III, despite his intentions to be a respected king, faced public suspicion of the princes' murder. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Beaufort conspired with Henry Tudor, who invaded England in 1485. Tudor defeated and killed Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, subsequently becoming Henry VII and marrying Edward IV's daughter, Elizabeth. This union established the Tudor dynasty, which would rule for another 118 years.