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Year 7

Edward V and Richard III

I can describe how Edward IV’s death and the actions of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, led to further instability in England.

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Year 7

Edward V and Richard III

I can describe how Edward IV’s death and the actions of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, led to further instability in England.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In 1483 Edward died suddenly at the age of just 40, with his sons too young to rule.
  2. A struggle to control the princes began and England once again became unstable.
  3. Edward’s brother, Richard, took charge and made himself Protector, saying he would rule until Edward V was of age.
  4. Richard took Edward V to the Tower of London and declared himself king, leading to noble rebellion.
  5. Richard III took Edward V’s brother to the Tower and instability arose due to arguments over his actions.

Keywords

  • Heir - the person who will be the next king or queen

  • Will - a document stating a person’s wishes after their death

  • Minority reign - the period of a monarch’s rule when they are still a child

  • Coronation - the ceremony of crowning a king or queen

  • Illegitimate - a child born of parents who are not legally married

Common misconception

Students may become confused by the number of historical figures that share the same name.

Ensure students can differentiate between Edward IV and Prince Edward.

Ask students to refer to draw a family tree. They can add to this throughout the unit of work.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of serious crime
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What was the Council of the North?
an area along the border between England and Wales
an orgnisation set up to improve control in the south
an area on the border between Scotland and England
Correct answer: an organisation set up to improve control in the north
Q2.
The lesson Edward IV learnt from his weak first reign was to keep the under control.
Correct Answer: nobility, Nobility, nobles
Q3.
During Edward IV's second reign, the royal court eventually accepted Elizabeth Woodworth as consort.
Correct Answer: Queen , queen
Q4.
Who did Edward IV put in charge of the Welsh Marches to improve law and order there?
his brother, George Duke of Clarence
Correct answer: his son, Edward Prince of Wales
his brother, Richard Duke of Gloucester
his uncle, Henry of York
Q5.
Why was Edward IV able to keep taxes low during his second reign?
Correct answer: The crown finances were boosted by the annual French pension.
Edward IV imposed heavy fines on those who had opposed him.
The crown finances were boosted by England's takeover of France.
Edward IV sold Eltham Palace.
Q6.
Match each person to their correct description.
Correct Answer:Edward IV,his second reign was more peaceful than his first

his second reign was more peaceful than his first

Correct Answer:Elizabeth Woodville,she was a commoner but married Edward IV

she was a commoner but married Edward IV

Correct Answer:Edward Pince of Wales,he was the eldest son and heir of Edward IV

he was the eldest son and heir of Edward IV

Correct Answer:Richard of Gloucester,he was the brother of Edward IV and led the Council of the North

he was the brother of Edward IV and led the Council of the North

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords with their correct definitions.
Correct Answer:heir,the person who will be the next king or queen

the person who will be the next king or queen

Correct Answer:will,a document stating a person’s wishes after their death

a document stating a person’s wishes after their death

Correct Answer:minority reign,the period of a monarch’s rule when they are still a child

the period of a monarch’s rule when they are still a child

Correct Answer:coronation,the ceremony of crowning a king or queen

the ceremony of crowning a king or queen

Correct Answer:illegitimate,a child born of parents who are not legally married

a child born of parents who are not legally married

Q2.
Write the missing number. In 1483, Edward died suddenly at the age of just , with his sons too young to rule.
Correct Answer: 40, forty, Forty
Q3.
Who took charge and made himself Protector, saying he would rule until Edward V was of age?
George, Duke of Clarence
Correct answer: Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Henry Tudor
Henry, Duke of York
Q4.
Where was Edward V placed for his 'safety'?
Eltham Palace
Kings Langley Palace
Correct answer: The Tower of London
Windsor Castle
Q5.
Which statement is most accurate?
Richard III declared himself king to protect his nephew, Edward V.
Correct answer: Richard III declared himself king because he wanted power.
Richard III declared himself king because he did not trust Edward V.
Richard III declared himself king as Edward V didn't want to rule England.
Q6.
The actions of Richard III led to noble rebellion. Based on this, which statement is most accurate.
Correct answer: England became unstable again due to the actions of Richard III.
England became more united again due to the actions of Richard III.
England became stronger again due to the actions of Richard III.

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