Elizabeth Woodville, also known as the White Queen, was a significant figure in English history during the Wars of the Roses. Here are some key points about her life and influence:
Early Life
Birth and Family Background: Elizabeth was born around 1437, the daughter of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers, and Jacquetta of Luxembourg. Her family was of the English gentry, and her mother was of high nobility.
First Marriage: Elizabeth was initially married to Sir John Grey of Groby, a Lancastrian supporter. She had two sons, Thomas and Richard Grey, from this marriage. Sir John Grey was killed in the Second Battle of St Albans in 1461.
Marriage to Edward IV
Widowhood and Meeting Edward IV: Following her husband's death, Elizabeth met Edward IV, the Yorkist king. According to legend, she appealed to Edward for the return of her late husband's lands, and their meeting led to a romance.
Secret Marriage: Elizabeth and Edward IV married in secret in 1464. This marriage was controversial because Elizabeth was a commoner and a widow from a Lancastrian family, which was politically risky for Edward.
Impact of Marriage: Their marriage brought Elizabeth's family into prominence and power. Her brothers and sons from her first marriage were given significant titles and positions.
As Queen Consort
Children: Elizabeth and Edward IV had ten children, including the future King Edward V and Elizabeth of York, who would marry Henry VII and unite the warring houses of York and Lancaster.
Political Influence: Elizabeth's marriage to Edward IV solidified the Woodville family's influence at court, though it also created enmity with other noble families who felt overshadowed by the rise of the Woodvilles.
The Wars of the Roses
Edward IV's Death: After Edward IV died in 1483, Elizabeth's young son, Edward V, was supposed to become king. However, her brother-in-law, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, declared the marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville invalid, making their children illegitimate.
Princes in the Tower: Elizabeth's sons, Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, were taken to the Tower of London and were never seen again. It is widely believed that they were murdered, a mystery that remains unsolved.
Conflict with Richard III: Elizabeth Woodville opposed Richard III's usurpation of the throne. She sought sanctuary in Westminster Abbey with her remaining children.
Later Life
Alliance with Henry Tudor: Elizabeth played a crucial role in the eventual rise of Henry Tudor (Henry VII). She supported his claim to the throne and arranged for her daughter, Elizabeth of York, to marry him, uniting the warring factions.
Retirement and Death: After Henry VII became king, Elizabeth Woodville retired to a life of relative obscurity. She died in 1492 and was buried next to Edward IV in St George's Chapel, Windsor.
Legacy
Historical Significance: Elizabeth Woodville's life and actions had a lasting impact on English history. Her marriage to Edward IV and her support for Henry Tudor helped shape the course of the Wars of the Roses and the eventual establishment of the Tudor dynasty.
Cultural Impact: Elizabeth Woodville has been a subject of interest in literature, most notably in Philippa Gregory's historical novels, where she is portrayed as a central character in the turbulent period of the Wars of the Roses.
Elizabeth Woodville's story is a blend of romance, intrigue, and political maneuvering, making her a fascinating figure in the history of medieval England.
