History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 21

CHAPTER XXI
Of the city in the time of Edward the fifth.

At the death of Edward the Fourth, his eldest son succeeded, by the name of Edward the Fifth, being then 13 years of age, who, with Richard Duke of York, Duke of Norfolk, and Earl Warren, his brother, then about 11 years old, was committed to the care of Richard Duke of Gloucester, his uncle, but was never crowned, he and his brother being murdered in the Tower by the command of that Duke,   who was not content with seizing the crown, but endeavoured to fix it fast on his head by this murder,

Committed about a month after he was crowned King, so that the reign of this Prince was no longer than two months and 13 days; his uncle having openly declared himself King on June 22, 1483.

It is observable, that this young Prince was born in the Sanctuary at Westminster, the same year that his father suffered Edward Prince of Wales, only son to King Henry VI. to be barbarously murdered in his own presence, to whose honour he succeeded: a bad introduction it was, as tending to the unhappy fate he now underwent.

In this King's reign, at an assembly held on Friday after the Feast of the ''Holy Trinity, Rob. Thorp'', Gent. was admitted freeman without any fee or reward, and had an exemption sealed and delivered him, by which he was excused serving as mayor or sheriff without his own consent.

At the same time also, John Paston, Esq. who was knighted the 4th of Henry VII. was presented with his freedom, and it was agreed, that if he came before Monday, and was sworn freeman, that at the county court then held for the county of the city he should be chosen one of the burgesses in parliament for the city; upon which he personally appeared, and sware that if he was discharged from serving all offices, he would willingly contribute with them, as a citizen, to all burthens whatsoever; upon which he was admitted, but was not sent to parliament till 1st Henry VII. though Thorp was, in King Richard's time.