Princes in the Tower
Historical Context
The term "Princes in the Tower" refers to the mysterious disappearance of Edward V of England and his younger brother Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, in 1483. These two young princes were the sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. Their disappearance has been a subject of intrigue and speculation for centuries, largely due to the political turmoil of the period known as the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought for control of the English throne between the rival houses of Lancaster and York.
Background of the Princes
Edward V was born in 1470 during a time of great instability. His father, Edward IV, had been temporarily deposed by the Lancastrian King Henry VI, but regained the throne in 1471. As the eldest son, Edward was the heir apparent. His younger brother, Richard, was born in 1473 and was created Duke of York in 1474. The boys were part of the House of York, one of the two rival factions in the Wars of the Roses.
Ascension and Imprisonment
Upon the death of Edward IV in April 1483, the 12-year-old Edward V was set to ascend the throne. However, his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was named Lord Protector due to Edward's young age. The young king and his brother were lodged in the Tower of London, ostensibly for their protection before Edward's coronation. The Tower was traditionally used as a royal residence as well as a fortress, so their presence there was not initially alarming.
The Usurpation by Richard III
The situation took a dramatic turn when Richard, Duke of Gloucester, declared the marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville invalid, rendering their children illegitimate. This declaration was based on a pre-contract of marriage between Edward IV and another woman, Lady Eleanor Butler. As a result, Richard claimed the throne for himself and was crowned as King Richard III in July 1483.
Disappearance of the Princes
After Richard III's ascension, the princes were seen less frequently and eventually disappeared altogether. The last recorded sighting of the boys was in the summer of 1483. Their fate remains one of history's greatest mysteries. Various theories have been proposed regarding their disappearance, ranging from murder to secret exile.
Theories and Speculations
Richard III's Involvement
One of the most prevalent theories is that Richard III ordered the murder of his nephews to secure his claim to the throne. This theory was popularized by William Shakespeare in his play "Richard III," where Richard is depicted as a ruthless usurper. However, contemporary evidence directly implicating Richard is scant, and some historians argue that this portrayal is a result of Tudor propaganda.
Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham
Another suspect is Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, a former ally of Richard III. Buckingham had his own ambitions for power and might have seen the princes as obstacles. His rebellion against Richard in October 1483, which ended in his execution, adds a layer of complexity to his potential involvement.
Henry VII's Motive
Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, also had a motive to eliminate the princes. As a Lancastrian claimant, Henry's position would have been strengthened by the absence of Yorkist heirs. Upon ascending the throne, Henry married Elizabeth of York, sister to the princes, uniting the warring factions.
Discovery of the Skeletons
In 1674, workmen at the Tower of London discovered two small skeletons buried beneath a staircase. These remains were widely believed to be those of the princes, and they were interred in Westminster Abbey by order of King Charles II. However, no definitive identification has been made, and the bones have not been subjected to modern forensic analysis.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The story of the Princes in the Tower has captivated the public imagination for centuries, inspiring numerous works of literature, drama, and film. The mystery continues to be a topic of scholarly debate and popular interest. The princes symbolize the brutal power struggles of the late medieval period and the often precarious nature of royal succession.