What do you think of him? I'm mixed. On the one hand, history has been unfair to him, and Shakespeare demonized him, because, let's face it, he lost, and the winners write history. On the other hand, all the evidence does seem to point to the fact that he did have his nephews whacked in the Tower. Overall, though, I think he was just like any other medieval king, who wasn't particularly malicious but who would bulldoze over anyone in his way. He wasn't any better or worse than Henry V or anyone else. Your thoughts?
Well, I personally have a definite 'soft spot' for the Plantaganets and so would stand in defence of Richard. There's only grey area in history as far as I'm concerned and this is what we must sift through to unscramble some form of truth. Mention the princes in the Tower and everyone thinks of the evil hunchback Richard, no-one turns their thoughts to Henry Tudor...later Henry VII...he had far greater reason to have the princes murdered. There have been so many power games played throughout history that it's virtually impossible to discover the absolute truth, so i do the research and have a tendency to give the benefit of the doubt to the likes of Richard and John...another historical 'baddie'. Whatever the truth, in my opinion it makes great reading.
Its and excellent story. Loved Sir Ian McKellen in the movie role. A complex story with many charachters. Could Buckingham offed The Princes without Richards authorization ? a bit of freelancing perhaps? Might this help to explain Buckinghhams sudden betryal and revolt?
It's quite possible that Buckingham had the princes removed as he was in fact a second cousin of Henry Tudor and had designs on the Throne himself. I really don't know how any of these guys slept at night, so many conspiracies.
I have enjoyed studying the Plantaganets, and would not presume to add to the scholarship on the subject of Richard's personal integrity. However, I would like to say that Shakespere WAS writing to please Henry. On the subject of who killed the princes, I have two points for you to think about. First, remember that Richard always supported Edward, even when their brother George took up arms with Warwick against him. Secondly, I do not believe that Elizabeth Woodville would have let her daughters out of sanctuary if she thought that Richard had killed her sons.
I'll have to disagree with you on that. Considering the fact that the British royal family is no longer a monarchy with real power.
^^^ Absolutely agree! There can be no comparison between the Plantagenets...especially the Angevins...and the puppet Windsors.
Sarcasm does not replace logical reasoning. The basis of your argument is faulty, because the comparison you are trying to make is ridiculous. I am wondering if you have even studied the Plantagenets?
A: no being the historian you are you can no doubt provide with me with some reasoning of your position??
No, you havent studied the Plantagenets? In that case, it would be a waste of time to argue with you on the subject.
oh dear i always thought communication was a two way street. pity you can't be anymore enlightening this is after all the history forum there is no onus on you to teach history only to tell others that they don't know it? my own suspicions are that you know less than me good luck!
Haha! Way too many centuries of the Plantagenets. Personally I find the Angevins fascinating maybe you could start there. I'm still learning and I've been at it since I was eight years old, I'm probably nearly as old as them now lol!
