Richard III (1452-1485)

A line drawing of Richard III of England, in which he is wearing a surcoat, bearing his coat of arms, over his armour. The three lions passant guardant represent England, and the three fleur-de-lis represent France. The royal coat of arms was first quartered by Edward III, reflecting his claim to the French throne through his mother.

King Edward V of Great Britain and Ireland, and his brother Richard, Duke of York. Edward was deposed just three months after he took the throne, by his uncle, who became Richard III, and the two young princes were imprisoned in the Tower of London. It is traditionally believed that Richard III had his nephews murdered, although there is little evidence to show what really happened to them.

King of England from 1483. The son of Richard, Duke of York, he was created Duke of Gloucester by his brother Edward IV, and distinguished himself in the Wars of the Roses. On Edward's death in 1483 he became protector to his nephew Edward V, and soon secured the crown for himself on the plea that Edward IV's sons were illegitimate. He proved a capable ruler, but the suspicion that he had murdered Edward V and his brother undermined his popularity. In 1485 Henry, Earl of Richmond (later Henry VII), raised a rebellion, and Richard III was defeated and killed at Bosworth.