Edward IV is crowned King of England

June 28th, 1461

June 28th, 1461

Edward IV is crowned King of England
How Long Ago?

563 years, 8 months, 15 days ago

Location

Westminster Abbey, London, England

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

Wars of the Roses

People
  • Henry VI
  • Edward IV
  • Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
Links & References
Tags

Edward IV is crowned King of England

Edward, Earl of March, ascended the throne of England as King Edward IV in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The crowning followed his decisive victory at the Battle of Towton, which secured his position as the leader of the Yorkist faction in the Wars of the Roses. His reign marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict over the English crown, and the coronation was a significant display of power and legitimacy. Not only did it formally establish Edward as king, but it also signified the shifting tides in the struggle for control of England.

Edward IV claimed the throne after Towton victory.

The ceremony included traditional coronation rituals.

Westminster Abbey was the site of the crowning.

The event was central to the York-Lancaster rivalry.

What Happened?

Edward IV, originally known as Edward, Earl of March, was crowned King of England in a grand ceremony held at Westminster Abbey. His rise to the throne came on the heels of a major victory in the Wars of the Roses, specifically at the Battle of Towton, where his forces defeated those loyal to Henry VI. This battle was one of the largest and bloodiest of the conflict, and Edward's triumph effectively dismantled Lancastrian resistance, allowing him to claim the crown. The coronation itself was a traditional affair, marked by anointing and the presentation of regalia, reinforcing Edward's authority and the legitimacy of his claim to the throne. The context surrounding Edward's coronation was significant; he was from the House of York, which had a strong claim to the throne against the Lancastrian Henry VI, who had been king since 1422. The Wars of the Roses were characterized by a series of dynastic conflicts between these two houses, and Edward's coronation represented a critical point in this struggle. The pageantry of the event showcased the wealth and resources possessed by the Yorkists and aimed to win over the loyalty of the English populace. Edward's youth, charisma, and political acumen made him a popular figure in contrast to the ailing and ineffectual Henry VI.The crowning of Edward IV was not merely a change of monarchy but a turning point that set the stage for subsequent power struggles and the eventual rise of the Tudor dynasty. His reign would embrace several reforms and conflicts and profoundly impact the future of English monarchy and governance, illustrating the complexities of noble rivalries and alliances in late medieval England.

Why Does it Matter?

The coronation of Edward IV solidified the Yorkist claim to the English throne and marked a shift in power dynamics during the Wars of the Roses. Its significance extends beyond a mere royal ceremony, as it set the foundation for future political developments and conflicts in England. This event is interesting because it illustrates the role of ceremonial power in legitimizing rule and how military victories translate into political authority.

Discover More Historic Events from June 28th

Crime & Law

Terrorist Attack at Istanbul Atatürk Airport

June 28th, 2016 8 years ago

A suicide bombing and gun attack occurred at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, resulting in the deaths of 42 individuals and injuring over 230. The attackers opened fire on passengers before detonating explosives in the terminal. This incident led to heightened security measures across Turkey and increased international concerns regarding terrorism.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Military Coup Against Manuel Zelaya in Honduras

June 28th, 2009 15 years ago

Manuel Zelaya, the President of Honduras, was ousted in a military coup following a failed attempt to hold a referendum aimed at rewriting the Honduran Constitution. The coup was executed by the military and supported by various sectors of society who opposed Zelaya's growing authoritarianism. This event marked the onset of a profound constitutional crisis that would lead to increased political tension and instability in the region.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Sovereignty Transferred to Interim Government of Iraq

June 28th, 2004 20 years ago

The Coalition Provisional Authority officially transferred sovereignty to the new interim government of Iraq, ending the direct U.S.-led administration. The transfer marked a significant political transition following the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Iyad Allawi was appointed as the interim Prime Minister, leading a cabinet comprising both Iraqis and representatives from various ethnic and sectarian groups, reflecting the diverse makeup of the country.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Milošević Extradition to The Hague

June 28th, 2001 23 years ago

Slobodan Milošević, former President of Yugoslavia, was extradited to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges of war crimes. His extradition followed years of political unrest and international pressure for accountability regarding the atrocities committed during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Mike Tyson Bites Evander Holyfield's Ear

June 28th, 1997 27 years ago

In a highly charged rematch, Mike Tyson was disqualified in the third round for biting Evander Holyfield's ear. This shocking incident occurred during a heavyweight boxing championship held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, sparking widespread outrage and capture global media attention. Tyson's actions followed a contentious bout where frustrations escalated, leading to one of boxing's most infamous moments.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Slobodan Milošević's Gazimestan Speech

June 28th, 1989 35 years ago

Slobodan Milošević delivered a key speech at Gazimestan, marking the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo. The speech occurred before a large crowd of Serbian supporters, emphasizing themes of national pride and unity. Milošević's address was a cornerstone in promoting Serbian nationalism, invoking memories of Kosovo's historical significance during the medieval period. His rhetoric resonated deeply with many, as it aimed to revitalize a sense of identity amongst Serbs.

Continue Reading