Born: 28 April 1442 · Died: 9 April 1483 · Age at death: 40
How old was Edward IV of England when he died?
Edward IV of England died aged 40. He was born on 28 April 1442 and died on 9 April 1483.
King of England during the Wars of the Roses
Did you know?He was unusually tall for his time, standing at roughly six feet four inches, making him the tallest monarch in English history.
Quick facts
Date of birth28 April 1442
Date of death9 April 1483
Age at death40
NationalityEnglish
BirthplaceRouen, France
Occupationmonarch
Editor's Take:
Edward IV was the most successful soldier among the kings of the Wars of the Roses. He won the crown in his teens and fought his way back to it after being driven out. His secret marriage to a widow angered his chief ally, the Earl of Warwick. His later reign was stable and prosperous. His sudden death left a young heir, and the crown soon passed to his brother Richard.
Key Milestones
1461: Becomes king after the Battle of Towton
1471: Regains the throne at Barnet and Tewkesbury
1475: Makes peace with France at Picquigny
Edward IV (28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470, then again from 11 April 1471 until he died in 1483.
Edward IV of England was born in Rouen on 28 April 1442.
He seized the throne from Henry VI in 1461.
He won the bloody Battle of Towton the same year.
His sons became the Princes in the Tower.
Career highlights
1461Towton: crowned after victory
1464Marriage: secretly weds Elizabeth Woodville
1470Exile: flees to Burgundy
1471Return: wins at Barnet and Tewkesbury
1483Death: dies suddenly
Did you know?He was over six feet tall and among the tallest English kings.
Age at death
40
Years since death
543
Family
Father
Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York
Mother
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York
Spouses
Eleanor Talbot, Elizabeth Woodville
Children
Anne of York, Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle, Bridget of York, Catherine of York, Cecily of York, Edward V of England, Edward de Wigmore, Elizabeth Plantagenet, Elizabeth of York, George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Bedford, Grace Plantagenet, Margaret of York
