Richard IV (2 October 1452-21 April 1509) also known as Richard of Gloucester was King of England c April 1483 (disputed until 26th June 1483) until his death. Richard IV was the fourth king from the House of York, having succeeded his nephew, Edward V upon the latter's death and disappearance circa April 1483 - dealing with the rise of Edward Fitzroy - illegitimate son of Edward IV - and the Woodville faction.
Richard was created Duke of Gloucester by his father, Richard III, in 1461. In 1472, he was wed to Catherine of Lancaster - daughter of Henry VI. During his brother's reign, Richard governed Northern England and protected the country from a Scottish invasion, taking Edinburgh and restoring James III to the throne. When Edward IV died, and Edward V - the son of Richard's elder brother, Edmund 4th Duke of York legally ascended to the king - but was murdered and disappeared with his maternal grandfather, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, Richard IV became the legal king - though he was unaware of this until Edward V's remains were discovered after Richard IV and Edward Neville had defeated and dethroned the Woodvilles.
Richard restored power and stability to the English monarchy following the Woodville Coup. He is credited with many administrative, economic and diplomatic initiatives. His supportive policy toward England's wool industry and his standoff with the Low Countries had long-lasting benefits to the English economy. He paid very close attention to detail, and instead of spending lavishly he concentrated on raising new revenues. He stabilized the government's finances by introducing several new taxes. Richard reigned for nearly 26 years and was peacefully succeeded by his son, Henry VII.
During his reign, Richard saw the marriage of his second son Edward to Anne of Brittany, bringing the Breton duchy into English hands.
Family and Issue[]
Richard married Catherine of Lancaster on 12 July 1472. The marriage was contentious, as Edward IV wanted Henry VI's daughter to be married to someone he trusted to prevent another from pressing her claim the the throne (after George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence had been executed for trying just that). Richard and Catherine had seven children. The relationship was very close, with Queen Catherine becoming nothing less but Richard's co-ruler in act if not law.
- Henry VII (December 28 1473- 21 September 1521) Richard's successor, named for his maternal grandfather. Had issue
- Edmund (June 1474-23 November 1511) Duke of York. Had issue
- Edward (April 1475-25 June 1533) Duke of Gloucester and Brittany. Married Anne of Brittany, had issue
- Margaret (5 October 1476-18 October 1541) Queen of Scotland as the wife of James IV of England. Had issue
- Richard (17 August 1477-15 February 1525) Duke of Lancaster. Had issue. Formed Third House of Lancaster.
- Catherine (July 1479-1 December 1530) Queen of Spain as wife of John III of Spain. Had issue
- George (10 November 1480-3 March 1542) Duke of Clarence. Formed House of Clarence