British Queens

The Forgotten Queens

Article F

Elizabeth Woodville

Elizabeth Woodville (c. 1437–1492) was a remarkable queen consort of England during the Wars of the Roses, a turbulent period marked by political intrigue and power struggles.

Here's a snapshot of her life as Queen of England:

Birth and Marriage: Born into the Woodville family, Elizabeth married King Edward IV of England in 1464. Their union was initially controversial due to Elizabeth's commoner status and her family's rise to power.

Queen Consort: As queen, Elizabeth was known for her beauty and charm. Her marriage to Edward IV helped temporarily reconcile the Lancastrian and Yorkist factions.

Influence and Patronage: Elizabeth's family, the Woodvilles, gained considerable influence at court, which sparked tensions with other noble families. She used her position to promote the advancement of her relatives and secure advantageous marriages for her children.

Children: Elizabeth and Edward IV had several children, including Elizabeth of York, who would go on to marry Henry VII and unite the warring factions after the Wars of the Roses.

War of the Roses: Elizabeth's support for the Yorkist cause led to her family's prominence during Edward IV's reign. However, after his death in 1483, their influence waned.

Sanctuary and Exile: Following Edward IV's death, Elizabeth sought sanctuary for her remaining children, fearing for their safety. This move highlighted the uncertainty and dangers of the political climate.

Princes in the Tower: Elizabeth's two sons, Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, were declared illegitimate by their uncle, Richard III. Their subsequent disappearance, known as the mystery of the "Princes in the Tower," remains a subject of historical debate.

Tudor Dynasty: The Wars of the Roses concluded with the victory of Henry Tudor (Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth. Elizabeth's daughter, Elizabeth of York, married Henry VII, uniting the warring factions and establishing the Tudor dynasty.

Later Life and Death: After her husband's death and the fall of the Yorkist cause, Elizabeth lived in relative obscurity. She died in 1492.

Elizabeth Woodville's role as queen and her connections to the pivotal events of the Wars of the Roses underscore the intricate relationship between personal choices, family dynamics, and the broader historical context. Her legacy lives on through her descendants and her impact on the course of English history.

Queens of the Great Britain | Our Blogs