Edward IV of England: The Big, Jolly King

Edward IV of England, also known as “The Big, Jolly King”, was a larger-than-life figure who ruled the country from 1461 to 1483. He was known for his love of feasting, drinking, and all-around merriment.

Edward was born on April 28, 1442, in Rouen, France. He was the eldest son of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. As a child, Edward was said to have been a bit of a troublemaker, often sneaking sweets and causing chaos at family gatherings.

When the Wars of the Roses broke out in 1455, Edward’s father and brother Edmund were killed in battle. This left Edward as the head of the Yorkist faction, which was fighting for the throne against the Lancastrians. Edward was only 19 years old at the time, but he quickly proved himself to be a skilled military commander.

In 1461, Edward defeated Henry VI at the Battle of Towton and was crowned king. From there, he got to work on improving the country’s economy and strengthening its infrastructure. But mostly, he liked to party.

Edward was known for throwing lavish banquets, where he would eat and drink to his heart’s content. He was also a bit of a ladies’ man and had many mistresses throughout his life. One of them, Elizabeth Woodville, he actually married in secret, causing quite the scandal.

Despite his partying ways, Edward was a popular ruler. He lowered taxes, improved trade, and restored peace to a country that had been torn apart by war. He even managed to maintain good relations with his enemies, such as the powerful Lord Warwick.

Sadly, Edward’s life was cut short in 1483 when he died unexpectedly at the young age of 40. Legend has it that he was killed by a combination of his own excesses and a profound lack of exercise. Either way, the country mourned his passing, and he was mourned not only for the love and loyalty of his subjects, but also for the great amount of food and drink he brought to the throne.

In conclusion, Edward IV of England was a king who did things his own way. He was a merry fellow who loved nothing more than a good feast, a strong drink, and a beautiful woman. But he was also a smart ruler who brought peace and prosperity to a war-torn country. And for that, he will always be remembered as one of England’s most colorful and beloved monarchs.