Gone Medieval: Episode Summary – "Edward IV: A King's Will"

Released on June 13, 2025 by History Hit

Introduction

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis delves into the enigmatic will of King Edward IV of England, exploring its historical significance and the insights it offers into the king's mindset during a pivotal moment in English history. Joined by Ewan Roger, Principal Medieval Record Specialist at the National Archives, the discussion navigates through Edward IV's 1475 campaign to France, the contents of his will, and the enduring legacy of his decisions.

Physical Evidence of Edward IV's Will

The conversation begins with an exploration of the existing evidence concerning Edward IV's will:

• Transcript by Thomas Rymer: Unfortunately, the original physical document of Edward IV's will has been lost to history. The primary source available today is a transcript created by Thomas Rymer, an English historiographer from the late 17th to early 18th century.

  "We don't actually have the physical will anymore. All we have is a transcript that's made at the kind of end of the 17th century, start of the 18th century, by a man called Thomas Rymer." [04:24]

• Reliability Concerns: While Rymer's transcription is considered fairly reliable, there are indications of uncertainties within the document, suggesting parts may have been damaged or difficult to interpret.

  "He does have... points where he's making queries and the Latin doesn't seem to quite make sense." [05:10]

Ewan expresses a hope that the original will might one day be rediscovered within the vast collections of the National Archives, though its current whereabouts remain unknown.

Edward IV's 1475 Campaign to France

Edward IV's decision to campaign in France in 1475 serves as the backdrop for his preparation of the will:

• Motivations for Invasion: Edward sought to emulate his predecessor, Edward III, aiming to press the English claim to the French crown. Additionally, the campaign was intended to unite his nobles, who had been embroiled in the tumultuous Wars of the Roses.

  "He's amassing a huge army to accompany him to Calais in an effort to press the English claim to the French crown." [01:53]

  "He's trying to emulate Edward III... to extend Henry V as well." [06:54]

• Outcome of the Campaign: Contrary to expectations, the campaign did not receive the anticipated support from Burgundy. Instead of engaging in significant battles, Edward IV brokered secret terms with the French king, receiving substantial financial compensation to withdraw his forces.

  "Edward ends up making secret terms with the King of France and essentially getting rewarded financially, pensioned off, as it were, with a grand sum of money to go home and not come back for a while." [07:26]

• Mixed Reactions: While Edward considered the campaign a success, many of his soldiers felt disillusioned by the lack of actual warfare and the meager returns on their investment.

  "Edward is trying, desperately trying to pitch this as a success, while lots of other people are feeling quite put out and frustrated by it." [10:21]

Contents of Edward IV's 1475 Will

The core of the episode examines the key elements of Edward IV's will and what they reveal about his priorities:

• St. George's Chapel at Windsor: Central to the will is Edward's dedication to St. George's Chapel, intending it to serve as a grand Yorkist mausoleum and a lasting legacy of his reign.

  "St. George's Chapel at Windsor is going to be his legacy. It's a grand New Yorkist mausoleum." [16:25]

• Bequests and Charitable Provisions: The will includes detailed instructions for the construction and embellishment of the chapel, as well as significant charitable donations aimed at securing prayers for his soul and supporting those who had aided him.

  "He talks about all the details of his body to be laid low in the ground, covered with a slab... a tomb including an image of the King in gold and gilt." [20:42]

• Limited Provisions for Prince Edward: Given that his heir, Prince Edward, was only four years old at the time, the will contains standard clauses ensuring his succession but lacks extensive provisions, reflecting the challenges of appointing a regent for a minor.

  "He's just clarifying in his will these need to be done. But other than that, there's not a huge amount in." [17:57]

Legacy of the Will and St. George's Chapel

Ewan Roger discusses the lasting impact of Edward IV's will:

• St. George's Chapel Today: Despite Edward IV not dying during the campaign, his initiatives ensured the chapel's construction continued, eventually becoming the prominent royal church it is today.

  "It's still there today, it's still functioning as a major royal church." [17:30]

• Codicils and Lost Provisions: Posthumously, Edward IV is believed to have added codicils to his will, which have since been lost. These could have included significant changes, especially concerning the future governance of his estate and provisions for his heir.

  "We don't really know... it's probably destroyed at some point during Richard's reign or later." [35:46]

• Potential Influence on Successors: The chapel's establishment played a role in reinforcing the Yorkist legacy, with subsequent monarchs continuing to honor and maintain the institution.

  "It ties into things like the building of St. George's in Windsor, which really is Edward's legacy going forward." [13:59]

Emotional and Political Dimensions

Beyond the logistical aspects, the episode touches upon the personal and political nuances of Edward IV's will:

• Confronting Mortality: Writing a will before embarking on a military campaign reflects Edward's awareness of mortality and his desire to secure his legacy, balancing confidence with precaution.

  "He's writing a will which is an admission he might die, during which he wants to be careful to look like he's immortal." [19:06]

• Influence of Courtiers: The final moments of Edward IV's life were likely filled with courtiers seeking to influence his decisions, potentially leading to the creation of codicils that diverged from his original intentions.

  "It's people around his bedside trying to get these small things changed rather than trying to endeavor to get a whole new will." [39:49]

• Humanizing the Monarch: The episode also portrays Edward IV as a man dealing with the anxiety of death and the responsibility of ensuring a stable succession, offering a more relatable image of a medieval king.

  "It's a man at the age of 40, dying unexpectedly, and all he's surrounded by is people saying, just sign this." [41:00]

Conclusion

"Edward IV: A King's Will" offers a comprehensive exploration of how a medieval monarch's personal document can illuminate broader historical narratives. Through the lens of Edward IV's 1475 will, listeners gain insight into the complexities of kingship during the Wars of the Roses, the interplay between personal legacy and political necessity, and the enduring impact of strategic decisions on historical memory.

Ewan Roger's expertise underscores the fragility of historical records and the tantalizing possibility that undiscovered documents could further enrich our understanding of this tumultuous period.

Notable Quotes:

• "The will of a King of England is a fascinating document. What can it tell us about a king's preoccupations..." – Matt Lewis [02:56]

• "It's all tied into things he has to do. So not all of that Duchy of Lancaster revenue can just be given out to people." – Ewan Roger [15:51]

• "He really feels like he's got some making up to do." – Matt Lewis [23:25]

• "It’s a man at the age of 40, dying unexpectedly, and all he's surrounded by is people saying, just sign this." – Matt Lewis [41:00]

For those interested in delving deeper into the intricate world of medieval England and the lives of its monarchs, Gone Medieval continues to unveil the layers of history that shaped the present. Subscribe to History Hit for more engaging episodes every week.