Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales

Birth and titles[edit]

Edward was born at Middleham Castle, a stronghold close to York that became Richard and Anne's principal base in northern England.^[2] His birth date is usually given as around December 1473, but he may have been born as late as 1476.^[3] Professor Charles Ross wrote that the date 1473 "lacks authority. In fact, he was probably not born until 1476."^[4] The act of Parliament that settled the dispute between George of Clarence and Richard over Anne Beauchamp's inheritance just as if the Countess of Warwick "was naturally dead" was dated May 1474.^[5] The doubts cast by Clarence on the validity of Richard and Anne's marriage were addressed by a clause protecting their rights in the event they were divorced (i.e. of their marriage being declared null and void by the Church) and then legally remarried to each other, and also protected Richard's rights while waiting for such a valid second marriage with Anne.^[6] There were no provisions, however, for their heirs in case of this said divorce, which seems to confirm Richard and Anne had no children as of 1474. However, such provision was the province of the ruling king for those of royal blood, so would have been moot.


Edward was mostly kept at Middleham, and was known to be a sickly child.^[7]


In 1478, Edward was granted the title of Earl of Salisbury, previously held by the attainted George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence. The title became extinct on his death.^[8] His father became King of England on 26 June 1483, deposing his nephew Edward V. Edward did not attend his parents' coronation, probably due to illness.^[2] He was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester in a splendid ceremony in York Minster on 8 September 1483, following his parents' royal progress across England.^[9]