num_pages: 39
description: Who was Richard III? It is a question that historians have argued about for centuries.Was he an evil, child killing murderer than would stop at nothing to claim the throne of England? Or was he intensely loyal to his brother, Edward IV and only accepted the crown with great reluctance when he believed that the young princes were illegitimate?The brief series of books are designed to be read in a lunchtime, they are written to give the reader basic facts about a period or key historical figure. In short, they are the history lesson that you forgot from school (or were never taught.) They will give you an insight, so you might decide if you want to read more.Richard III will forever be infamous as Shakespeare’s ultimate villain. For years our popular image of Richard has been the Tudor depiction. A man who might slaughter prisoners after battle, murder an old and incapable king, execute his own brother and then finally arrange the disappearance of his two young nephews – the Princes in the Tower.In truth, there is no firm evidence pointing at Richard for any of these events. There is evidence that shows that Richard was completely loyal to his older brother Edward IV. That Richard fought bravely by his side in numerous battles and even fled into exile with him. Then when Edward claimed the crown once more, Richard controlled the north of England with great skill and competence and was very well respected by the people.His reign was short, yet in that time he showed the qualities of a competent king. On the field at Bosworth Richard again showed that he wasn’t afraid to lead from the front – despite the fact it cost him his crown and his life.So who was Richard III?
language: English
title: The Richard III Brief: Murderer or Misunderstood?