Edward IV from the York dynasty was born in France because his father had been stationed there during the Hundred Years’ War.
English king Edward IV from the York dynasty was born on this day in 1442. He was the first member of that dynasty who managed to accede to the English throne. Namely, his dynasty was at war with the rival Lancaster dynasty, the previous holders of the throne. The war between the families stemmed from the fact that both considered themselves the rightful heirs to the throne through the male Plantagenet line (meaning the families were related.
Edward IV wasn’t born in England, but in France. Specifically, he was born in the city of Rouen, Normandy. The city is located on the river Seine, some 60 km from where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Edward IV was born in France because his father – Richard, Duke of York – had been stationed there during the Hundred Years’ War as the commander of the English troops.
Edward IV became the English king in 1461, i.e. when he was only 18 years old. His reign was unstable because it was marked by the Wars of the Roses. At one point Edward was captured and deposed, but he managed to return to the throne. He died at the age of 40 and was supposed to be succeeded by his son. However, his successor was actually his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became known as Richard III (this series of events was famously dramatized by William Shakespeare).
