Edward V and Richard III
I can describe how Edward IV’s death and the actions of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, led to further instability in England.
Edward V and Richard III
I can describe how Edward IV’s death and the actions of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, led to further instability in England.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1483 Edward died suddenly at the age of just 40, with his sons too young to rule.
- A struggle to control the princes began and England once again became unstable.
- Edward’s brother, Richard, took charge and made himself Protector, saying he would rule until Edward V was of age.
- Richard took Edward V to the Tower of London and declared himself king, leading to noble rebellion.
- Richard III took Edward V’s brother to the Tower and instability arose due to arguments over his actions.
Keywords
Heir - the person who will be the next king or queen
Will - a document stating a person’s wishes after their death
Minority reign - the period of a monarch’s rule when they are still a child
Coronation - the ceremony of crowning a king or queen
Illegitimate - a child born of parents who are not legally married
Common misconception
Students may become confused by the number of historical figures that share the same name.
Ensure students can differentiate between Edward IV and Prince Edward.
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Edward V and Richard III, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Edward V and Richard III, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Wars of the Roses: what does it tell us about fifteenth-century England? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
his second reign was more peaceful than his first
she was a commoner but married Edward IV
he was the eldest son and heir of Edward IV
he was the brother of Edward IV and led the Council of the North
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the person who will be the next king or queen
a document stating a person’s wishes after their death
the period of a monarch’s rule when they are still a child
the ceremony of crowning a king or queen
a child born of parents who are not legally married