Richard III

A detailed Summary of Richard III

Much debate and controversy surround the rise and fall of Richard the Third. It is hard to ignore such subjects due to the bonds and hidden reasons that many of the authors of the middle ages had towards Richard. In keeping an objective approach towards Richard III, the study of his rise and fall will be taken in the perspective of his royal acts and administration of England. Public sentiment over such things as the scandal surrounding the princes did have an effect over the rule of Richard, but there are many other underlying aspects that could have extended Richards rule, and changed the way history looks back on him.

Many historian look upon Richard as a villain. Others attribute this view as tainted due to the perverse nature of England following his reign, and the need for support of Henry Tudor's ascension to the throne. One aspect that almost all of the historian agree with is that Richard did have some moments where his actions were for the better of England. Looking at such actions can shed light on the true characteristics of his rule, and that he quite may have been a beneficial part of English history.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was the brother of King Edward IV of the House of York. The House of York

George also fell victim to poor decision making when acting impulsively late in his career. After he became comfortable in his position, Richard seemed to take for granted the support he had from the people. As his queen, Anne, continued to deteriorate in health, he began to have interest in his niece Elizabeth. As he was well versed in the bible, he only saw wrong in a woman marrying her nephew and no problem with marrying a niece. Luckily his advisors caught wind of his plan, but not before rumors of such a plot reached the public. Richard was forced to make a public speech regarding the subject that proved to be an embarrassment.

In prior years, Richard had gained much public support and accolades for his part in fighting Scotland. He uses this support in his next step of a move for the throne. In the past there had been rumors of Edward the IV being illegitimate, now there was evidence that Edward's son was illegitimate as well, as Edward IV had not been legally wed to Elizabeth when they had Edward V. Upon hearing this news, Richard chose to proceed with caution, only telling chief political players and asking their advice. Richard was wise for these actions. He had been known for his prudence in the past in the war with Scotland. When Edward IV wanted a crushing blow to the Scots, Richard realized that it would be too costly and at the same time England had already accomplished a great feat. Richard pushed for Edward to end the fighting and sign a treaty that would end the bloodshed. This shows Richards strategic savvy as well as his diplomatic nature to maneuver for the best interests of everyone. With true foresight, Richard arranges for Dr. Shaw to preach of such travesties of the illegitimacy in his preaching in a sermon in St. Pauls Cross. This marks the final step in his plan. He had already incited his motives with the correct people in parliament and now as parliament gathered for what they thought would be the planning of the coronation of Edward IV, they were now discussing and drawing plans for the rise of Richard to the Crown.

Richard is seen as a monster through history. Many people overlook the good he did in his legislation and charitable acts. A few open-minded scholars feel he could have been one of the most influential kings of England if the circumstances were different. How is anyone to judge such a person in such turbulent times? Richard was a product of his times, and he did what was necessary to survive in the political anarchy of the Middle Ages. If one was to look at Richard for a lesson to learn, there is much to take away from his experiences. Political decision making surrounds every aspect of Richard's life. His good and bad decisions are what made him immortal. You can see such prominent politicians today in the same light. They may not be killing each other, but politicians political lives sway in the wind just as gingerly if their decision making and policy are not supported, and backed strongly by their party.

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Approximate Word count = 2801
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History