Richard III

Previous king: Edward V (nephew)       Reigned: 1483-1485       Next king: Henry VII

Richard III Richard III became king after he put his nephews, Edward V and his brother, in the Tower of London. They were never seen again.

Bosworth Field with banner of Richard III Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) rebelled against Richard and they met at the Battle of Bosworth Field (see right) in 1485. Richard was killed. It is said that his crown fell off and rolled under a thorn bush. Someone found it, and it was given to Henry.

Richard is described by Shakespeare in his play "Richard III" as a complete villain, but Shakespeare was writing in the time of Elizabeth I, who was the grand-daughter of Henry VII, so perhaps it was political propaganda.

Wikipedia (external site) for further information       -       Kings and Queens index