Richard III

Richard III was king of England between 1483 and 1485. After the death of his brother, Edward
IV, Richard briefly ruled as regent for Edward’s 12-year-old son, Edward V, but then seized the
throne for himself.

Both of Richard’s parents had strong claims to the English throne. His father started the Wars of
the Roses, a battle between two families—the Lancasters and the Yorks—for the English
throne. Richard’s eldest brother became Edward IV in 1461 after their father died in battle.

Richard was extremely loyal to his brother. When Edward was deposed (forced from the
throne) by the Lancastrians, Richard went into exile with him. He later fought fiercely and
helped to restore Edward to the throne in 1471. When Edward died in April 1483, Richard was
named as protector of the realm on behalf of Edward’s son, Edward V.

As the new young king traveled to London for his coronation, Richard went to meet him and
then took him to the Tower of London. Edward V’s younger brother, Richard of York, later
joined him there.

There was no coronation. A rumor spread—probably started by Richard—saying that Edward

IV’s marriage had not been legal and that his children were therefore illegitimate. This meant
that Edward V had no right to the throne.

In June, Richard was proclaimed King Richard III. He was crowned in July. The two young
princes, still in the Tower, were never seen again. Many people thought they were murdered by
Richard.

Four months into his reign Richard crushed a rebellion led by his former assistant Henry
Stafford, duke of Buckingham. This did not stop others from challenging Richard’s claim to the
throne. Another rebellion took place in 1485, headed by Henry Tudor and his uncle Jasper. In
August 1485 Henry landed in south Wales with an army. He marched east and engaged Richard
in battle on Bosworth Field on August 22.

Although Richard’s army was larger, some of his men changed sides during the battle, which
put him in a weak position. Refusing to flee, Richard was killed on the battlefield—the last
English king to die in this way. Henry Tudor took the throne as Henry VII.

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