As an avid historian and qualified tour guide of some of the UK’s most notable landmarks, Central Devon MP Mel Stride was intrigued to say the least as evidence has grown to suggest that Edward V, one of the ‘Princes in the Tower’, could be buried in his constituency at St Matthew’s Church in Coldridge.
Born in 1470, Edward V succeeded his father Edward IV in 1483 but was never crowned. He was deposed by his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, who reigned as Richard III. The disappearance of Edward V and his younger brother were shrouded in mystery, with historians generally accepting that they were most likely murdered on the orders of the new king. In 2012 it was Richard III’s remains that were discovered and excavated from under a Leicester car park.
Keen to learn more, Mr Stride visited St Matthew’s Church in Coldridge on Friday (25/02/22) to meet local historian John Dike. He was joined by Coldridge’s County Councillor Margaret Squires and District Councillor Peter Heal.
Mr Dike explained:
“There is good reason to believe that the Princes in the Tower were not murdered, but were instead relocated out of the political arena to a quiet spot here in Devon as part of a deal struck between Richard III and their mother, Elizabeth Woodville. It is possible Edward V lived here in Coldridge under the pseudonym John Evans with many clues backing up this theory to be found in St Matthew’s Church.”
Mr Stride said:
“John’s tour was absolutely fascinating. It felt like I was in the middle of The Da Vinci Code. I hope further research is able to shed more light on this in the years to come.”
Public tours, which detail the latest research, are available at St Matthew’s Church. These are available on a selected day each month and provision can be made for individuals or organised groups of up to 35 people. Bookings can be made via the Coldridge Parish website: www.middevonparish.co.uk/coldridge/st-matthews-church.
