Richard III in the North

This enlightening biography examines the life and short reign of England’s most controversial king and his relationship to the region he loved.

Was Richard III the world’s most wicked uncle, or is he merely the victim of historical slander? Forever associated with the murder of his nephews, he was the last king to die in battle, in 1485. His life was as spectacular as the discovery of his bones under a Leicester car park five centuries later—an event that revived age-old debates.

This detailed look at Richard’s life focuses on the area that he loved and made his own. As Lord of the North, he had castles at Middleham and Sheriff Hutton, Penrith, and Sandal. He fought the Scots along the northern border and on their own territory. His son was born at Middleham and was invested as Prince of Wales at York Minster, where Richard planned to set up a college of 100 priests.

His white boar device can be found in obscure corners of churches and castles; his laws gave rights to his loyal subjects north of the Trent. And when he felt threatened during the Wars of the Roses, it was to the men of the North that he turned for support and advice. M.J. Trow’s biography demonstrates that the North is the key to understanding this fascinating and complex king.