Hey, this is Heather from the Renaissance English History Podcast, and this is your Tudor Minute for April 9.
Today in 1483 Edward IV died after catching an illness at Easter. No one is quite sure what caused his death, but everyone said at the time that he had caught a chill while out hunting over Easter, so pneumonia is often suggested. Other people believe he may have had a heart attack from all the greasy and fatty foods he ate, and there has even been the conjecture that the Woodville family poisoned him. He was just 40 years old.
He survived his illness long enough to add a few codicils to his will, most importantly naming his brother Richard as the Protector after his death. His twelve year old son Edward V was never crowned, as Richard usurped the crown from him that summer.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.