"Towards the end of 1482 all seemed well for the Yorkist dynasty. Edward IV was securely seated on the throne of England and, with over twenty years experience, could claim to know his job. In his early forties he was a big man, robust, in apparent good health despite his reputation for over indulgence and he had survived the battles of Northampton, Mortimers Cross, Towton, Barnet and Tewkesbury without a serious wound. He was a veteran campaigner and his tactical and strategic abilities must have warned off any would be challengers for the throne."