The Final Reign: The Last King of England

The last king of England, King Richard III, was a controversial figure who ruled the country during the late medieval period.

“Richard III’s reign marked a pivotal moment in English history. His ascent to the throne and subsequent downfall at the Battle of Bosworth not only brought an end to the Plantagenet dynasty but also heralded the start of the Tudor era. Examining the complex web of political alliances and personal ambitions surrounding Richard III provides fascinating insights into the power struggles of the medieval period.”
David Baldwin, medieval historian and author:

Despite his short reign, he managed to accomplish several notable achievements that have left a lasting impact on English history.

In this article, we will take a closer look at King Richard III’s timeline, list of achievements, and the events that led to the end of his reign.

Timeline of Richard III Reign

1452: King Richard III is born in Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire, England.

1461: Richard’s elder brother, King Edward IV, ascends to the throne.

1471: Richard fights alongside his brother Edward IV at the Battle of Barnet, a key battle in the Wars of the Roses.

1483: King Edward IV dies, and Richard becomes Lord Protector to his nephew, the young King Edward V.

1483: Richard is declared king by the English Parliament, following the discovery of a pre-contract between Edward IV and Lady Eleanor Butler that makes Edward’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville illegitimate.

1485: Richard is killed in the Battle of Bosworth Field by Henry Tudor, who subsequently becomes King Henry VII.

King Richard III Achievements

Patron of the Arts
King Richard III was a patron of the arts and literature. He established the Council of the North, which aimed to improve the cultural and intellectual life of the north of England.
During his reign, he also commissioned the translation of several works of literature into English, including the French work “The History of Reynard the Fox.”

Legal Reforms
King Richard III made several significant legal reforms during his short reign. He established the Court of Requests, which was designed to hear cases from people who could not afford the fees of the common law courts. He also introduced laws that aimed to protect the rights of the accused, such as the presumption of innocence.

Religious Reforms
Richard III was a devout Christian and made several religious reforms during his reign. He founded several chantries, which were religious establishments designed to pray for the souls of the dead. He also supported the establishment of the College of Arms, which was responsible for regulating heraldry and genealogy.

End of His Reign

Despite his accomplishments, King Richard III’s reign was short-lived. His reign was marked by controversy and political instability, and his reign ended in the Battle of Bosworth Field.

The battle was fought between the forces of King Richard III and Henry Tudor, who had claimed the English throne. Richard’s army was defeated, and he was killed in the battle.

Medieval King Richard III is pictured in the midst of battle — Medieval King Richard in the mix of things in the battle of Bosworth

The exact details of his death are unclear, but it is believed that he was killed in close combat with Henry Tudor’s forces.

Conclusion

King Richard III was the last king of medieval England, and his reign was marked by significant achievements in the areas of arts, law, and religion. Despite his accomplishments, his reign was short-lived, and he died in battle at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

His death marked the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty in England. Despite the controversy surrounding his reign, King Richard III’s contributions to English history have left a lasting legacy.

Medieval King Richard III is picture in armor with members of his royal family

“Richard III remains one of the most controversial figures in English history. Vilified by Shakespeare as a deformed and scheming tyrant, modern scholarship has sought to reevaluate his reign and challenge the myths surrounding him, offering a more nuanced understanding of his character and the tumultuous era in which he lived.”
Alison Weir, British historian and author:

Reign of King Richard III Key Events

Accession to the Throne (1483)
Following the death of his brother, King Edward IV, Richard III assumed the throne of England on June 26, 1483, after declaring his nephew, Edward V, illegitimate.

The Princes in the Tower (1483)
Shortly after Richard III’s accession, his nephews, the young Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York, were placed in the Tower of London. Their ultimate fate remains a subject of debate and mystery.

Coronation (1483)
Richard III was officially crowned as King of England on July 6, 1483. The ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey, affirming his legitimacy as the monarch.

Battle of Bosworth Field (1485)
The Battle of Bosworth Field, fought on August 22, 1485, was a defining moment in Richard III’s reign. It marked the culmination of the Wars of the Roses and the end of the Plantagenet dynasty. Richard III was defeated by Henry Tudor (later Henry VII), leading to his death on the battlefield.

Rediscovery of Richard III’s Remains (2012)
In 2012, the remains of Richard III were discovered under a car park in Leicester, England. The subsequent scientific analysis and DNA testing confirmed the identity of the remains, shedding new light on the physical characteristics and potential causes of Richard III’s death.

Posthumous Reputation and Legacy
Following his death, Richard III’s reputation was heavily influenced by the Tudor propaganda and the portrayal of him in William Shakespeare’s play, “Richard III.”

However, modern scholarship has sought to reassess his reign, examining his achievements, policies, and impact on the monarchy.

These events played a significant role in shaping Richard III’s reign and his place in English history, leaving a lasting impact on the political and cultural landscape of the time.

5 Books about the Life and Reign of King Richard III

“The Last Days of Richard III and the Fate of His DNA” by John Ashdown-Hill
This book explores the discovery and identification of Richard III’s remains, providing a detailed account of the archaeological excavation and the subsequent DNA analysis that confirmed their authenticity.

“The Daughter of Time” by Josephine Tey
A historical detective novel, “The Daughter of Time” presents a fictional investigation into Richard III’s reputation as a villain. The book challenges the traditional portrayal of Richard III and explores the possibility of him being unfairly maligned.

“Richard III: England’s Black Legend” by Desmond Seward
Desmond Seward offers a comprehensive examination of Richard III’s reign, focusing on the controversies and myths that have surrounded him. The book provides a nuanced analysis of his character and achievements, placing him within the context of his time.

“The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors” by Dan Jones
While not solely focused on Richard III, this book provides a vivid account of the Wars of the Roses, the dynastic conflict in which Richard III played a significant role. It offers insights into the political intrigues, battles, and the ultimate ascension of the Tudor dynasty.

“Richard III: A Ruler and His Reputation” by David Horspool
David Horspool examines Richard III’s reign, examining both the historical records and the way his reputation evolved over time. The book delves into the complex web of politics, power, and propaganda that shaped the perception of Richard III.

These books offer varying perspectives on Richard III’s life, reign, and posthumous reputation, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the historical context and the ongoing debates surrounding this controversial figure.

Medieval England