Edward Plantagenet, _fourth_ duke of York, eldest son of the last,
prosecuted his father’s pretensions, and defeated the earl of Pembroke,
half brother to Henry VI., at Mortimer’s Cross, in Herefordshire.
Shortly afterwards, queen Margaret advanced upon London, and gained a
victory over the Yorkists under the earl of Warwick, at the second
battle of St. Alban’s, and, at the same time, regained possession of the
person of her weak husband. Pressed by the Yorkists, she retreated to
the north and the youthful duke, remarkable for beauty of person,
bravery, affability, and every popular quality, entered the capital
amidst the acclamations of the citizens. Elated by his success, he
resolved to openly insist on his claim, and treat his adversaries as
rebels and traitors. On the 3d of March, 1460, he caused his army to
muster in St. John’s Fields, Clerkenwell; and after an harangue to the
multitude surrounding his soldiery, the tumultuary crowd were asked
whether they would have Henry of Lancaster, or Edward, eldest son of the
late duke of York, for king. Their “sweet voices” were for the latter;
and this show of popular election was ratified by a great number of
bishops, lords, magistrates, and other persons of distinction, assembled
for that purpose at Baynard’s Castle. On the morrow, the duke went to
St. Paul’s and offered, and had Te Deum sung, and was with great royalty
conveyed to Westminster, and there in the great hall sat in the king’s
seat, with St. Edward’s sceptre in his hand. On the 29th of March, 1461,
he fought the fierce and bloody battle of Touton, wherein he issued
orders to give no quarter, and there were above thirty-six thousand
slain. This slaughter confirmed him king of England, and he reigned
upwards of twenty years under the title of Edward IV., defiling his fame
and power by effeminacy and cruelty. The title of York merged in the
royal dignity.