#thecousinswar

On this day in history the 6th of March 1461, Edward Plantaganet, Earl of March and the 4th Duke of York is declared king of England for the first time.

On this day in history 2nd of October 1452 the final son of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York and his wife Cecily Neville was born. He was the youngest surviving son.

He was born in the small hours after a difficult birth. The couple were overjoyed at the birth of another boy. Their family was strong by 15th Century terms.

As we all know this young man became King Richard III and the final monarch of both the Plantaganet(1154-1485) and York dynasty (1461-1485). He was a figure of controversy during his short reign (1483-1485) as he was one of the many figures in history that could have benefited from the disappearance or death of Edward Plantaganet The Prince if Wales and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York more commonly known as The Princes in the Tower.

In his short life He was a great warrior. He was a skilled swordsman evem though he he a severe curvature of the spine known as Scoliosis but sadly hos reign ended with his death in Battle. He was slain by Henry Tudor's men on the 22nd of August 1485.

The battlefield in which he died is now being used for construction. That's right! Bosworth Feild is now going to be a construction site. The blood of a king and many others soaked the field that day the 22nd of August 1485 and now in 2018 a portion of it will be built on. I find this an insult to history and Richard himself.

Historical rants aside lets celebrate the birth of an iconic historical figure. He now rests in Leicester Cathedral with the honours of a king.

On this day in history the 8th of June 1492, Dowager Queen Elizabeth Wydeville died in her home in Bermondsey Abbey, Surrey.

She was born circa 1437 at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire. Her parents were unequal in status in the English court. Her father Sir Richard Wydeville was only a Knight. Her mother Jacquetta of Luxemburg was of high rank! She could have even became queen. Her first husband being John of Lancaster, 1st Earl Bedford.

Despite the scandalouus marraige Elizabeth was their first of fourteen children. Not much is known of her childhood but she was educated enough due to her family's Gentry status. They had land and wealth but were by no means noble.

At the age of only fifteen Elizabeth was married to John Grey of Groby with whom she had two sons. Richard Grey and Thomas Grey. They had a happy marraige but John was killed in the Second Battle of St. Albans in 1461 leaving Elizabeth a twenty three year old widow of two sons.

In April of 1464 Elizabeth met her second husband. King Edward of York. He was a twenty two year old man who was noted to be particularly handsome. Although it is not known exactly when they married but historians estimate it to be on the 1st of May 1464 in her family home in Northhampshire.

Their marraige was announced in court later the same year. Edward's cousin was not happy. Elizabeth was a commoner and of a Lancastrian family. Edward Neville, Earl of Warwick had tried to negotiate with France for Edward to marry a French princess.

She proved to be just like her parents. Not afraid of a little scandal! She was coronated Queen Consort of England on the 26th of May 1465.

The following year she gave birth to her first of ten Royal children. Elizabeth of York was born on the 11th of February 1466. Although Elizabeth and Edward were delighted with the birth of their first child, many looked down on Elizabeth for not giving the king a son and heir. This particular child was very important as she would one day become Queen of England. She died after giving birth to her eighth child Katherine on her 37th birthday.

The year after on the 11th of August Mary of York arrived. The couple were yet again overjoyed. Edward was devoted to his wife even though he did have a mistress. Every child born he ordered great celebrations. Many wondered why when a girl had been born. Edward lnew sons could rule but daughters could create strong alliances through marraige. Mary died on the 23rd of May 1482.

On the 20th of March 1469 Cecily of York was born. She was named after her paternal grandmother, Cecily Neville The Duchess of York.

In 1470 Edward was deposed and Henry VI was restored to the throne. Elizabeth fled with her daughters to Westminster Abbey to seek sanctuary. She and her daughters were brought to the Royal apartments. It was here Elizabeth found out she was yet again pregnant. She gave birth with the aid of her mother to a son. On the 2nd of November 1470 Edward Plantagenet, Prince of Wales was born. He became king upon the death of his father but was never coronated. He was the older of the two Princes in the Tower. Elizabeth was overjoyed. She'd finally given her husband a son amd heir. She'd helped to secure the York dynasty.

Margaret of York came on the 10th of April 1472. She didnt survive infancy and died in December of 1472. She is buried in Westminster Abbey.

A Duke of York was born on the 17th of August 1473. Richard of Shrewsbury was the so called 'spare' and made his family proud. Sadlt he was the ypunger of rhe two Princes in the Tower. He was only nine when he disappeared.

Anne of York was born on the 2nd of November 1475. She too was her family's pride and joy. Her sister made sure she was married well and was happy.

George, Duke of Bedford was born Early March of 1477. It isnt known for sure his actual date of birth but this poor little fella didnt survive. He died in 1479.

The next little bundle of joy was Catherine of York. She was born 14th of August 1479. She was Countess of Devon. She survived well into the reign of her nephew Henry VIII dying in 1527.

Elizabeth's final chil was Bridget of York. She was born on the 10th of November 1480. At the age of ten she entered a convent and devoted her life to God. She even studied the saints, her work still surviving. She died in 1517 in Dartford Priory, Kent

Elizabeth never conceived again. She gave the king two sons and by the end of his reign she had five surviving daughters. Sadly their happiness was not to last. In late March of 1483, Edward IV developed a chill. He thought it was merely a cold. He became weak and had to retire to bed. As the days went on Elizabeth tried to nurse her husband with their doctors. She did not leave his side. She was even with him when he took his last breath. On the 9th of April 1483 Edward IV died.

Elizabeth was now Dowager Queen. She had to ensure her son took the throne peacefully. Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester was made Lord Protector while young Edward V was in his minority.

Elizabeth did not trust Richard and took her five daughters and only remaining son Richard to Westminster Abbey to seek sanctuary. She feared that they would be imprisoned or worse killed.

Her son now King Edward V was brought from Ludlow Castle to the Tower of London until his coronation. Richard Plantagenet asked for Richard to be taken from his mother to accompany his brother in the Tower and help him prepare for his coronation. Elizabeth reluctantly agreed. This would be a huge mistake.

She never saw her sons again. They disappeared from the Tower. Many theories circle around this to this day. Were they smuggled to safety, suffocated as they slept in their beds? Maybe we will never truly know what became of these boys. Maybe on this day Elizabeth found out.

As her sons were in the Tower her marriage to Edward IV was made invalid due to Edward being precontracted to a Lady Eleanor Talbot. Her sons were made illegitimate and this tore Edward's claim to the throne from him. Her daughters were now Ladies rather than Princesses and had no claim to any inheritance. This angered Elizabeth. Her children were not bastards. They were legitimate. They had a birth right!

Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester took the throne as Richard III. Elizabeth was furious and wanted to know of what became of her beloved son. Her brother Anthony Wydeville, 2nd Earl Rivers and Thomas Grey her older son were executed on Richard's orders. She wanted revenge.

She made a plan with Lady Margaret Beaufort that her only son Henry Tudor would marry her oldest daughter Elizabeth of York and unite the houses to end this bloody civil war.

Her daughters left sanctuary in March of 1484 to attend to Queen Anne. Richard promised Elizabeth her daughters woukd be married ti gentlemen of the court and they woukd nit be molested or belittled. This is when the rumours began. Rumours that Richard had taken his neice on as a mistress began to circulate the court. I beleive it to be false. Richard had four children. Three being illegitimate. John, Catherine and another I have completely forgotton (I apologise) and his son Edward of Middleham wad bis onpy legitimate child. If he did take Elizabeth as a miatress then surely she would have fallen pregnant. She had eight children for her husband and the first arriving the same year as their marraige. Sirely she was never anyones mistress if she was that fertile.

. Elizabeth of York often visited her mother and Elizabeth Wydeville knew full well everything that was going on. She wasnt a fool! She'd sent her older daughters to court

Over the next year Elizabeth Wydeville planned a rebellion with Margaret Beaufort. Richard was desperate. He lost his only legitimate son and his wife. He needed an heir and fast. Henry Tudor landed on the 7th of August 1485 with over eight thousand men. He was determined to win this fight and become King of England.

Elizabeth and her daughters were sent to the country where they'd be safe while Richard fought in Battle. Elizabeth and her five daughters enjoyed a life of luxury while here. They wanted for nothing. Even her younger children Bridget and Catherine were given the finest dresses as they grew since they were only five and six years of age.

Elizabeth heard news that Richard III was slain at the Battle of Bosworth a day later. Days after Henry's men escorted Elizabeth and her daughters to London to meet the king.

Henry was taken back by her daughter's beauty. He was reported to have stared at Elizabeth's oldest daughter like a young boy. Elizabeth of York was known for her beauty. She was his fiance and this was the reaction Dowager Queen Elizabeth Wydeville hoped for.

Elizabeth and her daughters lived in Westminster Palace where many of her children had been born. She had many good memories there and she considered it home. She did not attend the coronation of her future son in law but she was present at the Royal Wedding on the 18th of January 1486.

During the Summer Progress of 1486 Elizabeth had attended her daughter in her confinment. She and Lady Margaret Beaufort ensured Elizabeth followed the strict rules until she was to give birth

On the 20th of September 1486 she welcomed her first grandchild. A boy named Arthur. She was said to have been overjoyed although she was not present at the birth. She was present at his christening days later. He was christened in Winchester the supposed location of the legendary Round Table.

Elizabeth last public appearance was in November of 1487 when her oldest daughter Elizabeth of York was crowned Queen Consort of England.

She retired to the Abbey in 1487 after her daughter's coranation. She spent many joy filled years here with her daughters before they were brought to court or in Bridget's case went to a nunnery.

She always wrote to her daughters and always made sure they were treated as they were supposed to be. It was this day in history that Dowager Queen Elizabeth Wydeville passed. She was finally with her husband and the children she lost.

Elizabeth Wydeville was the grandmother of the Tudor Dynasty and her hair and eyes were inherited by every Tudor besides Queen Mary I. She was the only Tudor without blue eyes.

On this day 11th of February marks the birth and death of the first Tudor Queen consort Elizabeth of York.

Born on the 11th of February 1466 in Westminster Palace, London, Elizabeth was the first child of Elizabeth Wydeville and Edward IV. She was hope that Elizabeth could deliver healthy children.

She was a happy child who was known for her beauty. She was her father's favourite daughter. She was first betrothed to George Neville (1461- 4th of May 1483) bit due to the rebellion against Edward IV led by the 16th Earl of Warwick, Richard Neville the engagement was cancelled.

In 1475 the 9 year old Elizabeth was betrothed to Charles, the Dauphin of France as apart of a peace treaty with England. The French called off the engagement in 1482 leaving Edward IV disappointed and worried about his oldest daughter's future. At 11, she was named a Lady of the Garter in 1477, along with her mother and her paternal aunt Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk. This was a high honour and Elizabeth was reported to have been overjoyed.

On the 9th of April 1483 Edward IV suddenly died. His oldest son Edward, Prince of Wales was only 12 years old making him to young to rule alone. He was housed in Ludlow in the Welsh Marshes as apart of his education.

Upon her father's death she became the King's sister. Richard Plantagenet the Duke of Gloucester was named Lord Protector and went to fetch Edward V.

Elizabeth along with her sisters and youngest surviving brother Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York were brought into sanctuary with their mother who was now the Dowager Queen of England. She was afraid for her children's safety above all.

Richard demanded his younger nephew be handed over for his protection to be with his older brother. Elizabeth Wydeville reluctantly handed her youngest son over to Richard. This would be the biggest mistake of her life.

Two months after Edward's death his marraige to Elizabeth's mother Elizabeth Wydeville was declared invalid due to a previous engagement to a Lady Eleanor Butler. Elizabeth and her siblings were declared illegitimate and had no claim to the throne. Edward V could not take the throne any longer.

Elizabeth Wydeville would never see her sons again as they disappeared. Upon the declaration of Edward's children and the disappearance of the Princes, Richard named himself Richard III. He took the crown. This angered Elizabeth of York as well as her mother.

To protect her children's right to the throne, Elizabeth's mother devised a plan with Lady Margaret Beaufort mother of Henry Tudor the future Henry VII. The scheme to put Henry on the throne with Elizabeth of York by his side.

Elizabeth of York and her sisters left Westminster Abbey and returned to court when Elizabeth Wydeville reconciled with Richard III. Some beleive she thought Richard was innocent of her sons' rumoured demise in the Tower of London.

When Elizabeth of York returned to court rumours spread that Richard III intended to put his wife Anne Neville aside to marry his young niece. Anne was dying and the couple's son Edward died a few months previously.

Upon the death of Queen Anne, Elizabeth of York was sent to the castle of Sheriff Hutton and opened negotiations with King John II of Portugal to marry his sister, Joan, Princess of Portugal, and to have Elizabeth marry their cousin, the future King Manuel I of Portugal.

The negotiations went nowhere as Elizabeth was declared illegitimate. Richard wanted heirs and knew Henry Tudor's army would land any day for the throne.

On the 7th of August 1485 Henry Tudor landed in Wales. He was saod to have touched the sand of his homeland and prayed to god to triumph over Richard who he seen as a usurper.

On the 22nd of August 1485 Richard III was defeated in the Battle of Bozworth Feild and Henry Tudor became Henry VII.

Elizabeth was the oldest surviving child of Edward IV. Since she had no surviving brothers she had the strongest claim in all of England. This is why Henry needed her hand in marriage. Although he recognised he needed Elizabeth he didn't plan on sharing power. He had the throne due to his ancestry and Right of Conquest.

Henry was crowned on the 30th of October 1485 as King Henry VII in Westminster Abbey. This was his stamp on England that he was the rightful sovereign, not the heir to the house of York.

Henry repealed the act that named the children of Edward IV illegitimate and gave them back their rights. Although they were never as high as they once we're the princesses were well taken care of and married off to loyal followers of Henry.

Due to the fact that Henry and Elizabeth were cousins they needed a Papal Dispensation to marry her. They received that in December if 1485.

On the 18th of January 1486 the houses of York and Lancaster were joined in marriage. The Cousin's War was over as the rival houses were united on the throne.

Henry VII never took on a mistress which was unusual for a king. He was apparently devoted to Elizabeth but it's unclear if they grew to love one another.

The couple were overjoyed as on the 20th of September 1486 they welcomed a Son. Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales was born in Winchester Cathedral Priory shorty after midnight. Henry was said to have barged into the room and held his first born son. The couple had eight children together but only four survived infancy.

The royal couple welcomed Princess Margaret on the 28th of November 1489. Margaret was their first daughter and at the age of 13 she was married to James IV of Scotland as apart of a treaty of Perpetual Peace. She is the mother of James V of Scotland and grandmother of Mary Queen of Scots executed in 1587.

On the 28th of June 1491 the couple welcomed a prince. They named him Henry. This would be the future Henry VIII. The imfamous king who broke from Rome and married six times.

Their fourth child was a princess they christened Elizabeth on the 2nd of July 1492. Sadly Elizabeth died on the 14th of September 1495. It's not known of what but she is buried in Westminster Abbey in the Lady Chapel.

Their fifth child was Mary. She was born on the 18th of March 1496. She became the Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk. She was the grandmother of Queen Jane Grey, the 9 day Queen of England.

The couple welcomed another son they named Edward after Elizabeth's Father in 1498. Sadly he died in 1499. It's not know what of and not even if this little prince actually existed.

Edmund Tudor, Duke of Somerset was born the 21st of February 1499. He did not live long as he died in June of 1500.

In April of 1502 tragedy struck the royal family. Arthur Tudor died at Ludlow Castle. He and his wife Catalina De Aragon had became gravely ill. Their servants thought they would both die but Catalina recovered. The news shocked the royal family.

Elizabeth was sakd to have been inconsolable and her servants had called for her husband the king to comfort her. She'd only assured him they were still young enough to have children as she was only 36 and her mother had children well into her 40s. The couple tried again and Elizabeth fell pregnant much to their delight.

The couples final child was a girl named Katherine. She was born on the 2nd of February 1503. Sadly this poor child only lived eight days dying on the 10th of February 1503.

Sadly Elizabeth died on her 37th birthday. The 11th of February 1503. She had contracted a post partum infection and it took her life.

All of the following Tudor Monarchs inherited Elizabeth's fair hair and fair complexion. Her son Henry Tudor, Duke of York was devastated by her death. The future Henry VIII was a scarred boy. Death of numerous siblings and his mother drove him to crave the son and heir he needed for his father's dynasty.

Elizabeth of York was a beautiful, pious and humble woman. She was a gentle soul and gained the love of her husband and her people. The country went into deep mourning as well as her husband.

Henry wad never the same after Elizabeth's death. He had bouts of depression. He never remarried but entertained the prospect to renew a Spanish alliance although he never went through with it.

Henry and Elizabeth were the red and White rose. They united the houses of York and Lancaster and settled the country from civil war. Elizabeth gave the country heirs. She gave the country hope.

I actually admire Elizabeth of York. I always describe her as the Pure rose among the blood stained flowers. A York heir surrounded by Lancastrian loyalists. She did what was seen as her duty. Giving her husband heirs and being a charitable and loving Queen.

Her motto was Humble and Revenant and in my eyes, she made her family proud.

Elizabeth is buried with her husband in the Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey.

A Quote From The White Princess Season 1 Episode 5 Review “Traitors”:

“You Came Here To Destroy Your own Grandson’s Day, You Are Not My Mother.”                                                                                                  ~ Jodie Comer as Elizabeth "Lizzie" of York, the Queen of England.