Profile of the Day: Richard III of England

Richard III of England

On this day in 1485, Richard III of England was killed during the Battle of Bosworth Field, bringing an end to the Plantagenet dynasty.

Although Richard III would be king for only 2 years, his short reign would prove to be a turning point in history. He came to power after seizing the throne from his 12-year-old nephew, Edward V. After his brother’s marriage was declared invalid, his children were considered illegitimate, thus making the young Edward ineligible to succeed his father, Edward IV, after his death. Once Richard seized the crown, it was rumored that he had his brother’s sons executed to protect his hold on the throne.

The last king of the House of York, Richard’s death at the Battle of Bosworth Field marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. Henry Tudor succeeded Richard to become Henry VII and became the first monarch of the House of Tudor.

What’s your connection to Richard III of England? Explore his family tree and share how you’re related to the last of Plantagenet monarch.
 

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Image: Wikimedia Commons