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Richard III: A Complex Monarch Unraveled by Paul Murray Kendall

Colton Carter

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Published in Richard The Third Paul Murray Kendall

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Richard III stands as one of the most enigmatic and reviled figures in English history. His reign was marked by controversy, mystery, and tragedy, leaving behind a legacy that has been hotly contested for centuries. In his acclaimed biography, Richard III, historian Paul Murray Kendall delves deeply into the life and times of this controversial monarch, offering a fresh and nuanced perspective on a complex and misunderstood ruler.

Richard the Third

by Paul Murray Kendall

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2954 KB
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Print length	:	610 pages

Early Life and Ascension to Power

Richard was born in 1452, the youngest son of Richard, Duke of York. From a young age, he became embroiled in the Wars of the Roses, a bloody conflict between the rival houses of York and Lancaster. As the Yorkists emerged victorious, Richard's elder brother, Edward IV, ascended to the throne. Richard played a key role in his brother's reign, serving as a loyal and effective commander.

However, Edward's untimely death in 1483 plunged England into a succession crisis. Edward's young son, Edward V, was declared king, but Richard was swiftly named Lord Protector. In a series of controversial moves, Richard had his brother's marriage declared invalid, thereby illegitimizing his nephews. He then had Edward V and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, confined to the Tower of London, where they vanished without a trace.

Reign as King

Richard's accession to the throne in 1483 was met with widespread opposition. Many nobles believed that he had usurped the rightful heir, and rumors of his involvement in his nephews' deaths circulated widely. Richard's reign was characterized by a series of power struggles and rebellions, as his enemies sought to overthrow him.

Despite these challenges, Richard proved to be a capable administrator. He introduced a series of legal and financial reforms, aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people. He also patronized the arts and literature, and encouraged education and learning. However, his reign was overshadowed by the unresolved question of his nephews' fate.

Battle of Bosworth and Death

Richard's reign came to an abrupt end at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Faced with a much larger army led by Henry Tudor, Richard fought bravely but was ultimately defeated and killed. His body was stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Leicester, before being buried in a pauper's grave.

The Tudor Myth

Following Henry Tudor's victory, a concerted effort was made to blacken Richard's reputation. The Tudor historians, most notably William Shakespeare, portrayed him as a deformed, hunchbacked villain. This negative portrayal has persisted in popular culture to this day, shaping our perception of Richard for centuries.

Paul Murray Kendall's Reassessment

In his biography, Paul Murray Kendall challenges the traditional view of Richard as a monster. Based on meticulous research and a critical examination of the historical evidence, Kendall presents a more nuanced and sympathetic portrait of the king. He disputes the claims of deformity and argues that Richard was a physically robust and active man.

Kendall also questions Richard's guilt in the murders of his nephews. He points out that there is no concrete evidence to support this accusation, and that it may have been fabricated by his enemies. Instead, Kendall argues that Richard's nephews may have died due to natural causes or an outbreak of illness.

Legacy and Impact

Paul Murray Kendall's groundbreaking biography has had a significant impact on our understanding of Richard III. It has helped to dispel the myths and misconceptions that have surrounded him for centuries and has shed new light on his reign and character. While Richard's reputation may never be fully redeemed, Kendall's work has certainly contributed to a more balanced and fair assessment of this complex and tragic figure.

Richard III was a complex and controversial monarch whose life and reign have been the subject of much debate and intrigue. Through his masterful biography, Paul Murray Kendall has unravelled the many layers of this enigmatic figure and provided a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in English history. By challenging the Tudor myth and examining the evidence anew, Kendall has helped to illuminate the true nature of Richard III, revealing a man who was both flawed and victimized.

Richard the Third

by Paul Murray Kendall

4.6 out of 5