Richard II, the well-known English monarch of the 14th century, has long been a subject of fascination for historians and enthusiasts alike. His reign, which lasted from 1377 to 1399, was marked by both great accomplishments and significant challenges. In this Kindle Single, we delve into the complexities of Richard II's rule, aiming to shed light on the controversies surrounding his monarchy.

The Rise to Power

Richard II ascended to the throne at the tender age of ten following the death of his grandfather, Edward III. This young king faced an immense task of stabilizing a kingdom plagued by internal conflicts and external threats. The Regency Council, led by his uncle John of Gaunt, played a pivotal role in governing the realm until Richard II reached maturity.

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Death Keeps His Court: The Rule of Richard II (Kindle Single)

by Anselm Audley(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	4280 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	79 pages

FREE

Controversies and Downfall

As Richard II grew older, he faced numerous challenges that eventually led to his downfall. One of the key controversies was his autocratic management style, which alienated many of his nobles and subjects. His excessive taxation policies and the merciless suppression of dissent further fueled discontent among the populace.

Furthermore, Richard II's inability to effectively handle political rivalries and his inclination towards favorites, such as Robert de Vere, fueled resentment among powerful magnates. The crisis came to a head when Henry Bolingbroke, Richard's exiled cousin, returned to England and successfully overthrew the monarch, ultimately leading to Richard II's abdication and his imprisonment in Pontefract Castle, where he met an uncertain fate.

The Legacy

The rule of Richard II left a lasting impact on England's history. His reign highlighted the danger of unchecked royal power and paved the way for future reforms aimed at curbing the authority of the monarchy. Despite the controversies surrounding his rule, Richard II's legacy endures through his patronage of the arts and the construction of iconic structures, such as Westminster Hall.

Wikimedia Commons

Death Keeps His Court: The Rule of Richard II (Kindle Single)

by Anselm Audley(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	4280 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	79 pages

FREE

DEATH KEEPS HIS COURT

A tyrant on the throne...

Richard II was young, handsome, and elegant. Last living child of the brilliant Black Prince, he came to the throne bearing the hopes of his people on his shoulders. His court glittered; his tastes were refined; his portraits shone with gold. Regal, composed, aloof, he was the very picture of majesty.
He became a murderous, capricious tyrant. His favourites plotted against his family. He rewrote the laws of England to give himself absolute power. He raised an army against his own subjects.
His subjects deposed him. Twice.

This is the story of the forgotten civil war of 1387, which saw Richard set against his brave, ill-starred uncle Thomas of Woodstock. Of how a boy’s bright promise turned deadly, provoking his nobles to fear, flight, and finally open war. Of how a humiliated King set out on a course of vengeance which would cost him his life and sow the first fatal seeds of the Wars of the Roses.

From royal banquets to battles in the mist, Death Keeps His Court tells a tale of real-life tyranny, treachery and tragedy in the age which inspired A Game of Thrones.

Anselm Audley holds BA and Master’s degrees in ancient history from Oxford, as well as a degree in planetary science from University College London. He is a published fantasy novelist, the author of Heresy, Inquisition, Crusade, and Vespera.