Richard III's Claim to the English Crown: A Strategic and Controversial Endeavor
In the summer of 1983, Richard was appointed Lord Protector, a position that allowed him to act as a regent, effectively reigning until the underage Edward V came of age. However, this situation shifted dramatically. It was decided that Edward V would take the throne at the age of 12, backed by his mother, Elizabeth Woodville, who was ambitious and potentially treacherous. This decision set the stage for one of the most controversial periods in English history.
The Boys in the Tower
Little Edward V, at twelve, and his younger brother Richard of Shrewsbury, aged nine, were set to be crowned King and Prince of Wales, respectively. However, Richard of York had other plans. He convinced their mother to entrust the boys to him for their 'protection.' The boys were then placed under Richard's care in the Tower of London, ostensibly for their safety.
Rather than a simple care move, Richard manipulated the boys' situation. He delayed the coronation for weeks, giving him time to gather evidence against the legitimacy of Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville. The claim hinged on the idea that Edward IV had already married another woman, making any children from his marriage to Elizabeth illegitimate.
A Strategic Move with Historical Evidence
A high-standing priest provided Richard with letters and information that supported the claim that Edward IV's children were illegitimate. According to this evidence, Edward IV was known for his promiscuity and had numerous bastards, making the children of his marriage to Elizabeth Woodville potentially illegitimate.
Richard presented his case to the royal court. A unanimous decision was made that Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville had never been legally married, as there was no signed marriage contract. Instead, the marriage was deemed a secret, unauthorized union, which gave Richard the legitimacy to claim the throne as king.
The Coronation and Popular Perception
Richard was prompted by his supporters to accept the crown. Although initially reluctant, he eventually agreed. He was crowned the new king of England, a move that likely caused much unrest, especially in the South, where people saw it as an usurpation of power from the legal heir. In the North, however, he was widely beloved, and his popularity remained strong, even among the people of York.
The Disappearance and Speculation
The fate of the two royal boys remains a mystery. They disappeared from their cell in the Tower of London and were never seen again. Many believe that Richard had them killed to secure his claim to the throne. However, others, including some Portuguese theorists, claim that Henry Buckingham, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, may have been responsible.
The Resurgence of the Wars of the Roses
The period of relative peace following the Wars of the Roses was short-lived. With the disappearance and presumed death of the two boys, the conflicts reignited. This period of unrest demonstrated the deep divisions in England and the political and social turmoil that Richard's ascent to the throne had stirred.
The events surrounding Richard III's claim to the English crown are complex and full of intrigue. From the decision to make Edward V king to the disappearance of his nephew and ward, Richard III's reign marked a significant turning point in English history. The legacy of his rule is still debated today, with some viewing him as a villain and others as a highly skilled and cunning ruler.