The Woodville Plot: April 1483

Edward IV's body was barely cold in his bed, let alone his grave when the Woodville's advanced their play for power. As courtiers, counsellors , clergy and prominent citizens filed by to pay their last respects, in his chamber where he was laid out, Elizabeth, the Queen Dowager, and her Dorset, plotted in a chamber on a lower floor of Westminster Palace. Gloucester must not be allowed to reach London, at least not before the new King, 12 year old Edward V and the council were under their control. Elizabeth was confident, with the young Edward V already in the hands of her brother Anthony, Earl Rivers at Ludlow but speed was essential, Anthony must bring the young King to London, in all haste. Their schemes had begun as soon as it was known Edward IV was dying (even earlier if, as some believe, they were responsible for his demise.) They had certainly been engaged in securing support for their cause for some time, from within the council and, according to Mancini had "installed many strangers in positions of influence, with money changing hands to secure their support" Dorset had been  appointed Constable of the Tower weeks earlier by Rivers. A position which left him in control of both the Armouries and the Treasury.