Edward IV (1441-1483), king of England. He was born at Rouen, France. Edward IV ascended the throne in 1461. His accession and the earlier events of his reign are but episodes in the famous Wars of the Roses. Edward was the second son of Richard, Duke of York. By the death of his father, at the battle of Wakefield in 1460, Edward became the head of the Yorkists. On hearing of his father's death he gathered together a combined army of Welsh and English and won a victory over the Lancastrians at Mortimer's Cross. A few days later the Lancastrians were victorious at St. Albans, but, while they lingered here plundering, Edward set out for London on horseback. He was a handsome, popular prince. The Yorkists hailed him with acclaim and, in the absence of the Lancastrian king, Henry III, proclaimed him sovereign. The story of the struggle between the Yorkists and Lancastrians is unprofitable reading. Warwick, the king-maker, had no sooner placed Edward on the throne, than he became offended because the king concluded a marriage with Elizabeth Grey, instead of espousing the sister of Louis XI of France. Warwick fomented an insurrection and fled to France; yet returned, drove Edward into exile in Holland, and replaced the last Lancastrian Henry on the throne. To cut these wearisome details short, Edward returned, defeated the force of Henry and Warwick, the latter falling in battle at Barnet, April 14, 1471. A few weeks later Edward defeated the forces of Queen Margaret at Tewkesbury. Henry died in the Tower, and Edward's reign was secure. During Edward's reign popular government went backward. A favorite invention of his was a system of "benevolences." This was a gift of money which he requested from rich subjects, and which they were afraid to refuse. This system of benevlences rendered the king in a measure independent of Parliament. The power of that body was correspondingly diminished. See WARWICK; WARS OF THE ROSES.