Edward of March, later known as Edward IV, was born on April 28, 1442. He was a key figure in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne. Edward was the son of Richard, Duke of York and became the first king from the House of York. Edward ascended to the throne in 1461 after defeating the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton. His reign was marked by political instability and conflict, but he managed to secure his position until his death in 1483. Edward's legacy includes the establishment of a more centralized monarchy in England.