Richard III is notorious in English history for having deposed and probably murdered his nephews in order to usurp the throne of England. This act of treachery was shocking because for the previous twenty years he had served his brother, Edward IV loyally, had been bequeath numerous titles and lands, making him one of the richest nobles in the land. Richard's older brother Clarence, and other members of the Yorkist clan had deserted Edward IV and rebelled against him at various times, but Richard had always been his most trusted supporter. In his dealings previous to becoming king, he was considered courageous, reliable, and just.
![]() |
Richard reigned for only two years, and during this time did little other than put down rebellions, consolidate his power, and ruin his reputation for posterity.
Richard is born, the youngest son of the Duke of York | |
Death of Richard's father at the Battle of Wakefield. | |
Coronation of Richard's brother, Edward IV. Richard becomes Duke of Gloucester. | |
Edward IV captured by Warwick and Clarence. Rescued by Richard. | |
Warwick is killed at the Battle of Barnet. Richard fights for Edward IV. | |
Marriage of Richard and Anne Neville. | |
Richard wars in Scotland. | |
Death of Edward IV. Richard imprisons his sons, and usurps the throne. | |
Death of Edward, only son of Richard III. | |
Richard III perishes at the Battle of Bosworth Field. |
Horseshoe Nails in | Fifty Famous People by James Baldwin |
The Little Princes in the Tower in | Cambridge Historical Reader—Primary by Cambridge Press |
Two Princes in | Stories From English History, Part Second by Alfred J. Church |
Bosworth Field in | Stories From English History, Part Second by Alfred J. Church |
Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) in | The Story of England by Samuel B. Harding |
Richard III—Two Little Princes in the Tower in | Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall |
Book Links |
---|
Image Links | ||
---|---|---|
![]() My kingdom for a horse!' in Fifty Famous People |
![]() Richard III in Cambridge Historical Reader—Primary |
![]() Murder of the princes in the Tower in Cambridge Historical Reader—Primary |
![]() Richard III in Stories From English History, Part Second |
![]() The Princes in the Tower in The Story of the English |
![]() The princes in the tower in Famous Men of the Middle Ages |
![]() The days seemed very long and dreary to the two little boys. in Our Island Story |
Edward IV | Son of the Duke of York. Became king of England when other aspirants were dead or deposed. |
Clarence | Younger brother of Edward IV and Richard III. |
Elizabeth Woodville | |
Descendent of John of Gaunt (a Lancaster) who fought Richard the Usurper for the throne. | |
Primary figure in war of the Roses. Changed sides from York to Lancaster. Killed at Barnet. | |
Anne Neville | |
Edward V | Son of Edward IV and rightful heir to the throne. Murdered by associates of Richard III. |