Personae
The Royal Family
Edward IV’s spouse, children, and brothers.
Thomas Vaughan
Only a knight, Vaughan usually just gets a mention in the general histories of this period. He was considerably more than that, having served and suffered for the Yorkist cause from the 1450s. Edward IV thought very highly of him and gave him the honor of being chamberlain to his 8-month-old son Edward. Vaughan was executed in his Prince’s and King’s service.
The presentation of the first book printed in England to Edward IV, 1477
The Hastings Hours
This beautiful prayerbook was commissioned by William Hastings, Lord Chamberlain of Edward IV, in 1480. It is believed that Hastings gave the book to young Edward V, and, therefore, it becomes symbolic of their relationship. Hastings had a long and distinguished career with Edward IV, and enjoyed his trust. Hastings was prepared to serve Edward’s son in kind, but was ambushed and executed, the first victim in Richard’s usurpation of the throne.
Images from “The Hastings Hours”
Four images from the prayerbook commissioned by William Hastings are displayed, each an example of the pages from this exquisite book.