Early Life and Background
Born on 2 October 1452 at Fotheringhay Castle, Richard III was the youngest surviving son of Richard, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. As a child of the House of York during the Wars of the Roses, his upbringing was steeped in political tension and warfare. He spent much of his youth at Middleham Castle in Yorkshire, where he trained in martial skills, horsemanship, and the governance expected of a nobleman. His brother’s ascension as Edward IV in 1461 placed Richard firmly within the royal circle, shaping his future as both a military leader and a key political figure.
Appearance and Personality: Contemporary Accounts
Historical descriptions of Richard paint a complex picture. While Tudor propaganda later exaggerated his physical deformities, contemporary sources suggest he was slight in stature but vigorous in bearing. The Crowland Chronicle describes him as “small of stature” but “strong in arms,” while a letter from the Archbishop of York praises his “great heart” in battle.
The rediscovery of his skeleton in 2012 confirmed he suffered from scoliosis, causing a noticeable curvature of the spine. However, this would not have been as pronounced as Shakespeare’s infamous hunchback portrayal. His reconstructed face shows a lean, angular countenance with a determined expression, aligning with accounts of his intense and disciplined nature.
Armour and Arms: How Richard Would Have Fought
As a nobleman and later king, Richard would have worn the finest armour of the late 15th century. His battle gear likely included:
- A Milanese-style plate armour, providing mobility and protection.
- A sallet helmet with a visor, possibly adorned with a crown or heraldic crest.
- A sword typical of the period, such as a hand-and-a-half bastard sword, suited for both cutting and thrusting.
- A rondel dagger for close combat.
- A pollaxe or lance when fighting on horseback.
His armour would have been polished and possibly embellished with Yorkist symbols, such as his personal boar emblem. At Bosworth, he famously led a cavalry charge, demonstrating his willingness to fight at the front lines.
Rise to Power and Reign
Richard’s loyalty to Edward IV earned him the Dukedom of Gloucester and significant authority in northern England. His governance was noted for fairness, particularly in legal reforms protecting property rights and ensuring bail for defendants.
Following Edward’s death in 1483, Richard’s role as Lord Protector for Edward V quickly escalated into a crisis. The declaration of Edward IV’s marriage as invalid – rendering his sons illegitimate – led to Richard’s coronation on 6 July 1483. The disappearance of the Princes in the Tower remains unresolved, casting a lasting shadow over his reign.
The Battle of Bosworth: A Timeline of the Final Fight
21 August 1485 – Henry Tudor lands in Wales, gathering rebel forces.
22 August 1485 – Richard’s royal army meets Tudor’s troops near Market Bosworth.
- Morning: Richard positions his forces on Ambion Hill, a strategic advantage.
- Midday: The Stanley family (key allies) hesitate, leaving Richard vulnerable.
- Afternoon: Richard launches a direct cavalry charge at Henry Tudor, nearly reaching him.
- Final Moments: Betrayed by Sir William Stanley’s forces, Richard is unhorsed and killed.
His death marked the end of Plantagenet rule and the rise of the Tudor dynasty.
The Rediscovery of Richard’s Remains
In 2012, archaeologists from the University of Leicester uncovered a skeleton beneath a car park on the site of Greyfriars Priory. Key findings included:
- Severe battle wounds, including a skull fracture from a halberd strike.
- Scoliosis, confirming historical accounts of his “uneven” shoulders.
- DNA matching confirmed his identity through descendants of his sister, Anne of York.
After extensive study, Richard was reburied in Leicester Cathedral in 2015, with a tomb befitting a king.
Watch: Richard III – The King in the Carpark
Legacy and Modern Perspectives
Shakespeare’s villainous portrayal dominated Richard’s legacy for centuries, but modern historians take a more nuanced view. While his involvement in the princes’ disappearance remains debated, his administrative reforms and military courage are increasingly recognised.
Where to Explore Richard III’s Story
- Leicester Cathedral: His final resting place, with an elegant tomb and exhibition.
- King Richard III Visitor Centre: Chronicles his life, death, and rediscovery.
- Middleham Castle: His childhood home, maintained by English Heritage.
- The British Library: Houses key documents from his reign.
- Royal Armouries, Leeds: Displays period weapons and armour.
Richard III remains one of England’s most enigmatic kings, a ruler whose brief reign ended violently, but whose story continues to evolve with each new discovery.
