Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies

Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies

From Tudors Dynasty & Beyond by RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson

August 20, 2026 · 1h 17m

About this episode

Rebecca Larson and historian Matt Lewis discuss Richard III's Parliament of 1484 and its implications for his reign.

In Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies , Rebecca Larson and historian Matt Lewis examine Richard’s landmark Parliament of 1484—an assembly whose legislation was praised even by historians otherwise hostile to his reign. Richard abolished forced “benevolences,” strengthened protections for people accused of crimes, confronted corruption within the jury system, protected English merchants and land buyers, and expanded access to justice for those unable to afford it. These were extraordinary reforms designed to restrain the powerful and protect ordinary people. But in challenging the privileges and practices of England’s nobility, was Richard also weakening the support upon which his crown depended? Beyond Parliament, Richard showed remarkable mercy toward those convicted of treason—including Margaret Beaufort, whose continued plotting would help place her son on the throne. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Woodville left sanctuary and entrusted her daughters to Richard’s court, Richard and Anne suffered the devastating loss of their only son, and Henry Tudor gained both an experienced commander and the backing of France. Richard III may have been governing for the people—but was…

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

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Organizations: Tudors Dynasty

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