Richard III and the Murder in the Tower

by Hancock, Peter A.

• ISBN13: 9780752457970
• ISBN10: 0752457977
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-07-01
• Publisher: The History Press

Summary

Since Tudor times Richard III has been painted as the "black legend," the murderous uncle--however, the truth is much more complicated and interesting Richard III is accused of murdering his nephews, the "Princes in the Tower," in order to usurp the throne of England, but this book tells a different story. Rather than looking at all the killings Richard III did not commit, this account focuses on the one judicial murder for which we know that he was responsible. On June 13, 1483, William, Lord Hastings was hustled from a meeting of the Royal Council and summarily executed on Tower Green within the confines of the Tower of London. This book sheds light on the mystery of this precipitate and unadvised action by the then Duke of Gloucester and reveals the key role of William Catesby in Richard's ascent to the throne of England. It explains his curious actions during that tumultuous summer of three kings and provides an explanation for the fate of the "Princes in the Tower." Presenting complex theories in an entertaining style, this book features more than 50 pages of appendices, including transcripts of real documents and letters, as well as notes.

Author Biography

Peter A. Hancock is a psychology professor at the University of Central Florida. He lives in Orlando, Florida.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 7
Setting the Scene	p. 9
The Path to the Throne	p. 13
Eleanor Talbot, Lady Butler	p. 33
William Catesby, Esquire of the Body	p. 44
William, Lord Hastings	p. 73
Jane Shore, Mistress of the King	p. 87
Robert Stillington, Bishop of Bath & Wells	p. 99
Return to the Tower	p. 120
Summary and Narrative	p. 139
Reference Materials	p. 145
Appendices:
The Cely, York and Stallworth Letters	p. 156
On the Date of the Death of William, Lord Hastings	p. 161
The Manor of Great Dorsett	p. 164
The Letter of Sir William Catesby, 15 September 1452	p. 169
The Letter from Richard III to William Catesby	p. 171
The Offices and Lands of William Catesby	p. 173
Notes	p. 184
Index	p. 219
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