Richard’s claim to the throne rested on a declaration that Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was invalid, rendering their children illegitimate and ineligible to inherit the crown. This declaration came in the form of the "Titulus Regius," a parliamentary act passed in June 1483.
Richard III’s Coronation
With the legitimacy of Edward V and his brother nullified, the path was clear for Richard to be crowned king. On July 6, 1483, Richard III was crowned King of England. His reign was immediately challenged by rebellion and dissent. Many suspected him of foul play regarding the princes, which marred his legitimacy in the eyes of many nobles and common people alike.
The Buckingham Rebellion and Political Instability
Later in 1483, a rebellion led by Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, attempted to overthrow Richard III and place Henry Tudor (the future Henry VII) on the throne. The rebellion failed, and Buckingham was executed, but it demonstrated the fragility of Richard’s rule.
Legacy and Downfall
Richard III’s reign was short-lived; it lasted only until 1485. His defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field by Henry Tudor effectively ended the Wars of the Roses and inaugurated the Tudor dynasty. Richard died in battle, becoming the last English king to die fighting on the battlefield.
His legacy is deeply contested. Shakespeare’s famous portrayal painted him as a ruthless villain, but modern historians continue to debate his true character and motivations. Regardless, the events of 1483—Richard’s seizure of power, the mystery of the princes, and the ensuing turmoil—remain pivotal moments in English history. shutdown123