Richard III and the Princes in the Tower

A look at the original sources and depictions that have informed our view of Richard III through history



Richard III has divided opinion for over 500 years. Traditionally, he has been perceived as a villain, a bloody tyrant and the monstrous murderer of his innocent nephews. To others he was and remains a wronged victim who did his best for kingdom and family, a noble prince and enlightened statesman tragically slain.

This work explores the story of Richard III and the tales that have been woven around the historic events, and discusses his life and reign and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. It also assesses the original sources upon which much of the history is based. A number of picture essays explore particular aspects of Richard III's life and reign - his birth sign of Scorpio, historical paintings, the symbolism of pigs and boars, Richard's saints, his books, the Princes, and cartoons and caricatures.