Richard III

Richard III (1452-1485) was king of England from 1483 to 1486. He was the youngest brother of Edward IV, and last of the Plantagenets, born at Fotheringhay Castle. In 1461 was created Duke of Gloucester by his brother for assisting him to win the crown. He faithfully supported Edward against Lancastrian attacks. In 1473, he married Anne, daughter of Warwick, the King-Maker. Early in 1483 was appointed Protector of the kingdom and guardian of his young nephew, Edward V. He put to death nobles who stood in the way of his ambitious schemes for the throne. Doubts were cast upon the legitimacy of the young king, and Richard's right to the throne was asserted. In July 1483 he assumed the kingly office. Almost certainly instigated the murder of Edward and his little brother in the Tower. He ruled firmly and well, but without the confidence of the nation. In 1488, Henry, Earl of Richmond, head of the House of Lancaster, invaded England, and at the battle of Bosworth Richard was defeated and slain.

Nearby pages
Richard Jordan Gatling, Richard Kempenfelt, Richard Lalor Sheil, Richard Lander, Richard Le Gallienne, Richard Lovell Edgeworth, Richard Monckton Milnes