Presenter: Deanna Blake Michie, College of Humanities, History
Authors: Deanna Blake Michie
Faculty Advisors: Kate McPherson, Honors Program, Honors
Institution: Utah Valley University
On December 30, 1460 Richard of York died in battle. His son, Edward IV, took the throne soon after. Several years into his reign, Edward IV had his father’s remains reburied. It is known that the event, full of ceremonies and processions, was an important political move. The court Edward IV had around him at the time was full of tension, mostly due to his unpopular marriage.The shaky political ground at the time put much into question. Edward IV took the throne from Henry VI. From the beginning, Edward’s legitimacy as king was in question. He did what he could to codify the idea of his reign. This event was a political move to show the people his right to be king. His end goal was to make his father into a king in his death. Edward IV gave his father such an elaborate funeral possession it could be seen as one of the greatest events of his reign. He and his affinity said Henry VI was a usurper, Richard of York was the rightful king therefore Edward was the rightful heir, as opposed to Edward of Westminster. Giving the man a funeral and burial fit for a king would help the people to believe it as well.