The Last Days of Richard III summary

The Last Days of Richard III: A Reassessment of His Reign

In The Last Days of Richard III by John Ashdown-Hill, we are presented with a fresh and detailed account of the final days of the controversial English king, Richard III. Ashdown-Hill begins by re-examining the life and reign of Richard III, challenging the traditional narrative that portrays him as a villainous usurper who murdered his way to the throne.

He argues that Richard was a capable, reforming monarch who achieved much in his short reign, including advancing the cause of justice and establishing a system of bail for the accused. The author also points out that Richard was a loyal supporter of his brother, King Edward IV, and a competent military leader who secured the north of England against Scottish incursions.

Richard III's Tragic End

Despite his accomplishments, Richard's reign was marred by the tragic deaths of his wife, Anne Neville, and their son, Edward of Middleham. These personal losses, combined with political challenges and the constant threat of rebellion, took a toll on Richard's health and stability. Ashdown-Hill suggests that Richard's increasingly erratic behavior in his final months can be attributed to his grief and the immense pressures of ruling a divided kingdom.

The author then delves into the events leading up to the Battle of Bosworth, the fateful clash that would cost Richard his crown and his life. He meticulously reconstructs Richard's movements during this time, challenging the traditional account of his last days as a desperate flight from his enemies. Instead, he portrays Richard as a determined leader who took decisive action to confront his adversaries.

The Battle of Bosworth: A Reassessment

Ashdown-Hill's analysis of the Battle of Bosworth is equally thought-provoking. He questions the widely accepted depiction of Richard as a reckless commander who charged into battle and was defeated due to his own impetuousness. Instead, he argues that Richard's plan was sound, and his forces were on the verge of victory when the unexpected betrayal of Lord Stanley turned the tide against him.

After his defeat at Bosworth, Richard's body was taken to Leicester and buried without ceremony at Greyfriars Friary. Ashdown-Hill provides a detailed account of the hasty and undignified burial, which contrasts sharply with the respectful treatment traditionally accorded to deceased monarchs.

The Discovery of Richard III's Remains

The latter part of The Last Days of Richard III focuses on the search for Richard's lost remains. After his burial, the location of his grave was forgotten, and for centuries, Richard's final resting place remained a mystery. However, in 2012, the University of Leicester announced the discovery of a skeleton beneath a car park, and subsequent DNA analysis confirmed that the remains were indeed those of Richard III.

Through a series of remarkable coincidences and meticulous detective work, Ashdown-Hill himself played a crucial role in identifying the location of Richard's grave, providing a fitting conclusion to his years of research into the king's life and death. In conclusion, The Last Days of Richard III presents a compelling reassessment of a much-maligned monarch, shedding new light on the man behind the myths.