Was Edward IV Really a Bigamist? Historical Analysis and the Strategy Behind Richard III’s Ascension

In the tumultuous period of the Wars of the Roses, the claim that Edward IV was a bigamist has been a subject of intense debate. This article explores whether this claim holds water and examines the historical strategy behind Richard III's ascension to the throne. We will also delve into the legal and moral implications of such a claim and its relevance during the Wars of the Roses.

Was Edward IV Really a Bigamist?

Historically, the rumor that Edward IV was a bigamist emerged around the late 1460s. It was initially spread by his middle brother, George Duke of Clarence, and later by Richard Duke of Gloucester, who would later become Richard III. This rumor stated that Edward IV had already married Eleanor Butler before his marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, making his first marriage invalid and suggesting that his marriage to Elizabeth was bigamous.

Despite the rumor, there is considerable doubt about its authenticity. For instance, the validity of Edward and Elizabeth's marriage had been generally accepted by the time of his coronation in 1461. Additionally, no evidence suggests that the country or Edward's Yorkist family were aware of or disputed this rumor from 1464 to 1477. The first evidence of this rumor came after George Duke of Clarence was executed in 1478, and was used to claim that Edward's heirs, including legitimate children, were illegitimate.

Edward IV's Reprehensible Behavior

It is well-documented that Edward IV had a reputation for being a womanizer throughout his 40 years of life. He fathered numerous illegitimate children aside from his 10 royal children, contributing to the intrigue and scandal of his court.

The creation of the rumor about Edward IV's bigamy might have served several purposes. First, it bolstered the case for Richard Duke of Gloucester to claim that Edward's children and his marriage to Elizabeth were illegitimate. This would make the succession of Edward's young sons, Edward V and Richard, invalid and potentially open the door for Richard to claim the throne.

The Legality and Ethics of Titulus Regius

Rumors of bigamy played a significant role in the political maneuvers of the time, particularly with the creation of Titulus Regius. This document was used by Richard III to justify his claim to the throne when he ascended to it. Unfortunately, no surviving original copies of Titulus Regius exist, except for one that was discovered after Richard's death and destroyed by Henry Tudor.

Henry VII, as the new king, repudiated Titulus Regius and declared the children of Edward IV legitimate, thus nullifying Richard III's legal justification for his claim to the throne. Despite this repudiation, the question remains: was the use of such a document an acceptable political strategy during the Wars of the Roses, or was it merely a calculated attempt to take the throne?

Historical Context of the Wars of the Roses

The Wars of the Roses were a series of conflicts between the Houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne. During this time, any rumor or allegation could have significant ramifications for political alliances and legitimacy claims. Richard III's ascension was risky, as many questioned the validity of Edward V's claim to the throne. Some feared that a boy king would lack the authority to rule effectively, and thus, Richard III was urged to accept the crown, despite the lingering doubts surrounding his legitimacy.

Conclusion

While the rumour that Edward IV was a bigamist has persisted and was used to justify Richard III's claim to the throne, the veracity of this claim remains questionable. The Wars of the Roses were complex, and strategies employed by various factions were often influenced by rumors and other unsubstantiated claims. Whether such strategies were acceptable or merely opportunistic is a subject of ongoing debate among historians.