How Tall Was Edward IV Of England?

2026-05-04 11:50:45
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3 Answers

Kiera
Kiera
Contributor Receptionist
From what I’ve read, Edward IV was a literal giant for his era—around 6'4"! That’s basketball player height, and in medieval England, it must’ve been downright shocking. I love how historians debate whether contemporary accounts exaggerated his size, but skeletons don’t lie: his remains confirmed he was freakishly tall. It’s funny how his height became part of his legend, like how people today obsess over celebrity measurements.

It also makes his rivalry with Warwick 'the Kingmaker' extra cinematic—picture this towering king facing off against scheming nobles who probably had to crane their necks to glare at him. Makes me wish someone would make a historically accurate biopic just to see the height difference dramatized. Bonus trivia: his brother Richard III was way shorter, which adds a weird sibling dynamic to the whole 'Princes in the Tower' mystery.
2026-05-05 07:51:08
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Riley
Riley
Favorite read: Queen
Honest Reviewer Lawyer
Edward IV was known for his impressive stature, especially for his time. Historical records describe him as around 6 feet 4 inches tall, which was exceptionally towering in the 15th century. Imagine standing next to him—he’d probably loom over most people like a giant! I’ve always been fascinated by how his height played into his reputation as a strong, commanding leader. It’s wild to think how much physical presence mattered back then, especially in battle. His height might’ve even contributed to the nickname 'the Sun in Splendour,' since he literally stood out in a crowd.

There’s something oddly relatable about fixating on historical figures’ heights—like when you realize Napoleon wasn’t actually that short, or that Edward IV could’ve probably dunked a basketball if it existed. It makes history feel more tangible. I’ve stumbled upon reenactments where actors play Edward, and they never quite capture how intimidating his height must’ve been. Makes you wonder if his charisma was partly just... being the tallest guy in the room.
2026-05-06 14:14:47
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Reply Helper Police Officer
Edward IV’s height is one of those fun historical tidbits that sticks with you. At roughly 6'4", he was like the medieval equivalent of an NBA player—except in armor, swinging a sword. I once visited a museum exhibit on the Wars of the Roses, and they had a replica of his armor; the thing was massive. It’s no wonder chroniclers kept mentioning his 'commanding presence.' Height back then wasn’t just aesthetics; it signaled power. Kinda makes you rethink all those portraits where he looks like he’s judging everyone from a literal higher plane.
2026-05-08 18:43:33
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How did Edward IV die in real life?

3 Answers2026-05-04 02:53:45
Edward IV's death is one of those historical moments that feels oddly mundane for such a legendary figure. He wasn’t slain in battle or felled by some dramatic conspiracy—instead, it was probably just a nasty bout of illness. Historians speculate everything from pneumonia to typhoid, but the truth is, medieval records aren’t exactly WebMD. What’s wild is how sudden it was. One day he’s hosting feasts, the next he’s gone at 40, leaving his kids to the mercy of Richard III’s ambitions. The timing couldn’ve been worse for the Yorkists, honestly. I’ve always wondered if his notorious partying played a role. Dude loved food, wine, and… extracurricular activities, which might’ve weakened his health. There’s even a theory that malaria did him in after a fishing trip. But the lack of clear details makes it ripe for fiction—Shakespeare sure milked it for drama. Real life doesn’t wrap up neatly, though. Just a king fading out, leaving a power vacuum that turned into the Princes in the Tower mystery. Makes you appreciate modern medicine.

Was Edward IV a good king?

3 Answers2026-05-04 02:00:31
Edward IV’s reign is one of those historical rollercoasters where you can’t decide if he was brilliant or just lucky. On one hand, he ended the Wars of the Roses—temporarily, at least—by crushing the Lancastrians at Towton. That’s no small feat, and his charisma was undeniable. People called him the 'sun in splendour' for a reason; he had this magnetic energy that made nobles and commoners alike rally behind him. But then there’s the other side: his marriage to Elizabeth Woodville destabilized everything. The Woodvilles’ rise pissed off Warwick 'the Kingmaker,' and boom—back to civil war. His later years were messy, too, with financial scandals and that whole debacle with his brother Clarence’s execution. So was he good? Maybe more 'flawed but fascinating' than outright great. What really sticks with me, though, is how he contrasts with Henry VI. Edward was decisive where Henry waffled, ruthless where Henry was pious. But that ruthlessness bit him later. Still, I can’t help admiring how he rebuilt royal authority after decades of chaos. The guy knew how to wield power, even if he didn’t always wield it wisely.
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