Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales
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Edward of Middleham, also known as Edward Plantagenet (1473 - April 9, 1484) was the only son of King Richard III of England and his wife Anne Neville.
The exact year of Edward's birth is uncertain, but he is known to have been born at Middleham Castle, a former possession of his maternal grandfather, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. In 1478, following the execution of George, Duke of Clarence for treason the title Earl of Salisbury was granted to Edward until his death. The title then became extinct until restored to Clarence's family during the reign of King Henry VII.
Edward was also invested as Prince of Wales following his father's succession as king of England in 1483. The investiture ceremony took place at York Minster, and contemporary records suggest it was arranged in a hurry. It is thought possible that the boy had been unable to travel to London for his parents' coronation because of ill-health, but that his condition had improved by the time they reached the north of England.
Edward's sudden death left his father without an heir, leaving the way open for Henry Tudor to take the throne at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Edward is buried in the parish church at Sheriff Hutton, another of his family's estates.
Preceded by: New creation |
Earl of Salisbury | Followed by: Title extinct |
Preceded by: Edward V of England |
Prince of Wales | Succeeded by: Arthur, Prince of Wales |