Richard III: A Ruler and his Reputation

Travel Guide

Richard III

Historian David Horspool tells the story of Richard, Duke of Gloucester s birth and upbringing and his part as a young man in the closing years of the Wars of the Roses; describes what really happened to the Princes in the Tower, and explains why this character has become one of the most compelling and divisive rulers in the history of the British Isles.

The three major sites to visit in order to follow in the footsteps of Richard III

The Tower of London

“The Princes in the Tower” refers to the two princes Edward V, King of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. The two brothers were the only sons of Edward IV of England and when they were 12 and 9 years old, respectively, they were lodged in the Tower of London by tRichard III. He was supposedly looking after them until Edward’s forthcoming coronation as king. Richard took the throne and the boys were never seen again.

Fotheringhay Castle

Fotheringhay Castle was a favoured residence of Richard, who became Duke of York . His son Richard III was also born here in 1452.

Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned for some 18 years at nearby Sheffield Castle spent her final days at Fotheringhay, where she was tried and convicted of treason.

Battle of Bosworth

The Battle of Bosworth Field  was the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses.   Richard III, the last king of the House of York, was killed in the battle. Henry Tudor was victorious and became the first English monarch of the Tudor dynasty.

Leicester Cathedral

The final resting place of Richard III whose remains were found underneath a carpark. There’s also a statue of the main himself holding his crown.