The Final Year and Fall of Richard III
About this episode
Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis discuss the final year of Richard III's reign, exploring the rumors and political dynamics leading to his downfall at Bosworth.
In the concluding episode of the Medieval Kings series, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine the turbulent final year of Richard III’s reign - and the rumors, rivalries, and betrayals that carried him toward Bosworth. Did Richard intend to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York? Did he hasten the death of his wife, Anne Neville? Or were these accusations part of a growing propaganda campaign designed to undermine his crown? From Richard’s public denial of the allegations to his negotiations for a Portuguese marriage, this episode separates contemporary evidence from the stories that later became accepted as fact. Rebecca and Matt also explore the political grievances behind Henry Tudor’s invasion, the crucial role played by the Stanleys, and Richard’s final, high-risk cavalry charge at Bosworth. His enemies did not necessarily rally behind Henry to avenge the Princes in the Tower - they brought old grudges, personal ambitions, and carefully cultivated rumors to the battlefield. This is the story of Richard III’s last year: a king surrounded by suspicion, abandoned by those he needed most, and ultimately killed fighting for his crown. --Join our growing community of history lovers…
People in this episode
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis
Topics covered
- Richard III
- Medieval Kings
- political grievances
- historical rumors
- cavalry charge
- betrayals
- royal marriages
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