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King Richard III: The Last of the Plantagenets

Juan Butler

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King Richard III, The Last Of The Plantagenet Kings Of England, Reigned From 1483 Until His Death In 1485 At The Battle Of Bosworth Field. King Richard The Third William Sieghart

King Richard III is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in English history. He was the last of the Plantagenet kings, and his reign was marked by violence, intrigue, and ultimately, his death at the Battle of Bosworth Field. In this article, we will explore the life and reign of King Richard III, examining his character, his actions, and his legacy.

King Richard the Third

by William Sieghart

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Life

Richard was born on October 2, 1452, at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire. He was the youngest son of Richard, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. Richard's father was a claimant to the English throne, and he fought against the Lancastrian king, Henry VI, in the Wars of the Roses. Richard's father was killed at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460, and his elder brother, Edward, became king.

Richard grew up in a turbulent and violent world. He was a sickly child, and he developed a hunched back, which earned him the nickname "Crookback." Despite his physical deformity, Richard was a skilled warrior and a capable administrator. He served as Lord Warden of the North and Lieutenant of Ireland, and he played a key role in Edward IV's victory over the Lancastrians.

Accession to the Throne

In 1483, Edward IV died unexpectedly, and his young son, Edward V, became king. Richard was appointed protector of the realm, but he soon seized power for himself. He had Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York, imprisoned in the Tower of London. The two princes were never seen again, and they are presumed to have been murdered on Richard's orders.

Richard's accession to the throne was met with widespread opposition. Many people believed that he had murdered his nephews, and they supported Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, who claimed the throne as the descendant of John of Gaunt. Henry Tudor invaded England in 1485, and he defeated Richard at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Richard was killed in the battle, and his body was buried in Leicester Cathedral.

Character

Richard III has been portrayed as a villain in many works of literature and drama, most notably in Shakespeare's play "Richard III." Shakespeare's Richard is a ruthless tyrant who murders his way to the throne. However, there is some evidence to suggest that Richard was not as evil as he has been made out to be. He was a capable administrator, and he was popular with many of his subjects. He also had a close relationship with his wife, Anne Neville, and he was a loving father to their son, Edward.

Legacy

Richard III's legacy is a complex one. He is remembered as a usurper and a murderer, but he was also a capable king and a loyal friend. His reign was a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, but he ultimately helped to shape the course of English history.

King Richard III was a complex and enigmatic figure who played a key role in English history. His life was marked by violence, intrigue, and ultimately, his death at the Battle of Bosworth Field. His legacy is a complex one, but he remains one of the most fascinating and controversial figures in English history.

King Richard the Third

by William Sieghart

4 out of 5