Richard III

Richard III was born to Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and Cecily Neville at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire.

Richard's father and older brother, Edmund, Earl of Rutland, were killed at the Battle of Wakefield. Richard and his brother Edward fled to Burgundy.

Richard's brother, Edward, secures the throne as Edward IV, and Richard is granted the title Duke of Gloucester.

Richard begins his military training and education, preparing him for a future role in the royal court and the ongoing Wars of the Roses.

Richard participates in the Battle of Edgecote, where the Yorkist forces are defeated by the Lancastrians, leading to the temporary capture of King Edward IV.

Richard and his brother Edward are forced into exile in Burgundy after the Lancastrians regain control of England. They plan their return and eventual victory.

Richard returns to England with Edward IV and defeats the Lancastrians at the Battle of Tewkesbury, securing Edward's return to the throne.

Richard marries Anne Neville, the daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, and widow of Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales.

Upon the death of Edward IV, Richard is named Lord Protector of the young Edward V. He takes control of the government and is soon crowned King Richard III.

Richard III is crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, following the declaration that his nephews, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, are illegitimate.

The young princes, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, disappear while under Richard's protection in the Tower of London, leading to widespread speculation and controversy.

Richard III issues the Act of Titulus Regius, which declares his nephews illegitimate and confirms his right to the throne, solidifying his reign.

Richard's only legitimate son, Edward of Middleham, dies, leaving him without a direct heir and increasing the instability of his reign.

Richard III faces Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Richard is killed in battle, marking the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the beginning of the Tudor era.