Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville
Rulers marrying for love was absolutely unheard of back when the monarchy reigned supreme. Marriages were always arranged to gain alliances, land, and power. That’s why King Edward IV’s 1464 marriage to Elizabeth Woodville is so shocking. Edward is the first English king to marry for love, and no one was happy about it except maybe Elizabeth and Edward.
Many people in England hated Elizabeth for marrying Edward. She was a commoner and a widow, and many people thought their secret marriage was utterly inappropriate. As a sign of the times, Elizabeth’s mother was accused of using witchcraft to seduce Edward into marrying her daughter. Despite all the haters, Edward and Elizabeth remained married until his death.