The Private Life of Edward IV

After his death, Edward’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, the beautiful widow of a Lancastrian knight, was called in to question, with claims made that he had previously married Eleanor Talbot. Edward’s children by Elizabeth, including his eldest son and heir to the throne, Edward, were declared illegitimate, making room for Edward’s brother Richard on the throne. Known as a womaniser, Edward had numerous mistresses and left behind many illegitimate children. Dr John Ashdown-Hill, a central figure in the Looking for Richard Project and renowned Richard III historian, now turns his attention to Richard’s eldest brother, Edward IV. He unravels the complex web of stories around Edward’s private life, discussing the truth behind Edward’s reputation. Who were Edward’s mistresses and was there any truth behind the allegations that his marriage to Elizabeth was invalid?