Richard II was the son of Edward the Black Prince, and ascended to the throne when he was only ten years old. The first crisis of his administration involved Wat Tyler's Rebellion., but that was quickly resolved. A much thornier problem had to do France, and whether or not to follow up the English victories in the Hundred Years War. The English had recently suffered setbacks and what was at one time, a highly popular war was no longer universally embraced. There were strong differences of opinion among the Barons on this and many other issues, and the richest and most powerful man in the country, John of Gaunt, was a divisive figure with many loyal followers and bitter enemies. He was not, however, popular with the common people, partly due to his wealth, partly due to his policies of taxation, and partly due to his lack of military leadership in the Hundred Years War. Richard, being somewhat young and ignorant of these matters, made early mistakes which cost him the support of many of his barons.
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Birth of Richard II | |
Ascends to the throne | |
Wat Tyler's rebellion. | |
Marriage to Anne of Bohemia | |
Barons's first revolt against Richard. | |
John of Gaunt returns to England | |
Peace with France, and marriage to Isabella of Valois | |
Death of John of Gaunt; Henry Bolingbroke is exiled. | |
Richard II is deposed by Bolingbroke, and later killed. |
Richard II., the Last Plantagenet King in | The Story of England by Samuel B. Harding |
Kings and Queens in | Back Matter by books/lord/westminster/_back.html |
Richard II of Bordeaux—Wat Tyler's Rebellion in | Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall |
How King Richard Lost His Throne in | Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall |
Book Links |
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Image Links | ||
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![]() Richard receiving the visit of his Uncle John. in Richard II |
![]() King Richard the Second in Stories From English History, Part Second |
John of Gaunt | Third son of Edward III, and father of Henry Bolingbroke. Extremely influential 14th century noble. |
Wat Tyler | Leader of a peasant rebellion during reign of Richard II. He was killed during talks. |
Son of John of Gaunt. Assumed the throne after Richard II was deposed. | |
Anne of Bohemia | First wife of Richard II. Died childless. |