Richard III Facts & Worksheets

King Richard III was the last monarch of England’s House of York, ruling from 1483 until 1485. Despite his short reign, he implemented administrative reforms, improved the legal system, and supported the arts, aiming to create a fair society.

See the fact file below for more information about Richard III, or you can download our 32-page Richard III worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE

• King Richard III was born on October 2, 1452, in Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire, England. 
• He was the eleventh son of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. 
• Richard III’s parents played significant roles in the Wars of the Roses. 
• He was born during this chaotic period in English history, a power struggle between the Houses of York and Lancaster, the royal House of Plantagenet. 
• Richard III belonged to the House of York, symbolized by the white rose.
• When Richard III was born, his father, Richard, Duke of York, was actively involved in the political and military struggle against King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster. 
• The country was politically unstable and uncertain, with frequent battles and power shifts between the families.
• Richard III’s father and elder brother, Edmund, Earl of Rutland, died in the Battle of Wakefield on December 30, 1460.
• During England’s political chaos, Cecily Neville became worried about the safety of her youngest son. 
• In 1461, she sent Richard III to the Low Countries, known as Belgium and the Netherlands today, to live with her sister, Anne, and her husband, Louis of Gruuthuse. 
• It was a protective measure to keep Richard III safe from the ongoing civil war. 
• During his time abroad, young Richard III was exposed to a different cultural environment, developing his diplomatic skills and giving him a broader perspective on European politics. 
• On June 28, 1461, they participated in his brother’s coronation.
• Richard III’s eldest brother, Edward, was crowned King Edward IV of England after the decisive York victory at the Battle of Towton. 
• The young Richard III attended the grand coronation and observed the ceremonious event closely. 
• During this period, Richard III’s role within the royal family began to shift. 
• After recognizing his younger brother’s potential and loyalty, Edward IV promoted Richard III to the Duke of Gloucester. 
• At such a young age, this promotion marked the beginning of Richard III’s more active involvement in English politics and his rise within the ranks of the Yorkist regime. 
• At the age of 11, Richard III’s life took a decisive turn when his brother, King Edward IV, elevated him to the position of Duke of Gloucester. 
• Six years later, in recognition of his growing influence and loyalty, King Edward IV further advanced Richard III’s position by granting him the title of Constable of England when he was only 17. 
• These early promotions were crucial in shaping Richard III’s political awareness and leadership skills, setting the stage for his future role as the King of England.
• Richard III spent most of his teenage years in the North of England, particularly in the territories of Yorkshire and Northumberland, which were King Edward IV’s lands. 
• Richard III was entrusted with significant responsibilities and autonomy. 
• He was assigned to govern these vast territories, requiring him to deal with complex administrative and political issues. 
• During this period, he demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and decision-making, earning the respect and admiration of the northern wealthy class. 
• Richard III also used this time to solidify his military skills and build strategic alliances.

MARRIAGE

• King Richard III married Anne Neville, daughter of Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, known as the ‘Kingmaker,’ on July 12, 1472. 
• This union was more than just a matrimonial alliance. 
• It was a significant political arrangement to protect Richard III’s standing within the Yorkist regime. 
• Anne and Richard III had known each other since childhood, having spent their early years together during Richard III’s exile in the Low Countries. 
• They had a son named Edward of Middleham, born in 1473 but died early in 1484.
• Before marrying Richard III, Anne Neville was married to Edward of Westminster, also known as Prince Edward, who was King Henry VI of England and Margaret of Anjou’s only son. 
• This marriage, which took place in 1470, was a strategic alliance during the Wars of the Roses, strengthening her father’s position, the influential Earl of Warwick, within the Lancastrian group. 
• However, this marriage was short-lived as Edward of Westminster was killed in 1471 during the Battle of Tewkesbury, leaving Anne a widow at a young age.
• Anne Neville was a significant figure in Richard’s life, providing him with emotional and political support. 
• As Queen consort, she shared Richard’s vision of a just society and played an instrumental role in advancing his administrative reforms.
• Richard III’s marriage to Anne Neville carried numerous advantages that solidified his position within the Yorkist regime. 
• The union strengthened Richard III’s political alliances. 
• Anne’s father, the Earl of Warwick, was a significant figure in the Wars of the Roses, and the marriage secured ties with this influential leader.
• Marrying Anne allowed Richard III to gain a rightful claim to her substantial dowry, significantly enhancing his wealth and economic standing. 
• This improved economic status not only increased Richard III’s influence but also gave him the financial resources necessary to support his political ambitions and maintain the loyalty of his followers.
• Furthermore, their marriage enabled Richard III to claim the lands and titles associated with Anne’s lineage, further expanding his territories and power. 
• Anne’s knowledge of courtly matters and diplomatic skills greatly benefited Richard III. 
• As Queen consort, Anne was able to advise and support Richard III, becoming an instrumental ally in navigating the political landscape of the English court.
• While King Richard III’s marriage to Anne Neville was a politically advantageous alliance, there were also challenges. 
• Anne was the daughter of the forceful Earl of Warwick, who was a person known for shifting alliances during the Wars of the Roses. 
• This connection subjected Richard III to significant political scrutiny and suspicion, particularly from those who had mistrusted the Earl of Warwick’s political activities. 
• Their union was also marred by personal tragedy. 
• The couple’s only son, Edward of Middleham, died in childhood, leaving them without an heir. 
• This personal loss brought immense mental anguish and seriously threatened the continuity of Richard III’s reign, destabilizing his position on the throne. 
• Richard III also had two illegitimate children he acknowledged, John of Gloucester and Katherine Plantagenet. 
• Both of their mothers were unknown, but some historians believed that Alice Burgh was the mother of John while Katherine Haute was Katherine’s mother.

LORD PROTECTOR AND THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER

• Richard III’s tenure as Lord Protector was a critical and controversial period in English history. 
• On his deathbed, Edward IV appointed Richard III, his younger brother, as Protector for his 12-year-old son Edward V. 
• Richard III’s initial actions as Lord Protector were in line with his brother’s wishes, and he swore an oath to protect the young King and uphold his right to the throne. 
• However, Richard’s subsequent actions would prove controversial.
• The Princes in the Tower refers to the mysterious fate of two young sons of King Edward IV: Edward V and his younger brother, Richard of York. These boys were the nephews of King Richard III. 
• When Edward IV died in April 1483, his 12-year-old son Edward was supposed to succeed him as Edward V.
• Richard III, as their uncle and the Lord Protector, was responsible for caring for the boys and ensuring a smooth transition of power. 
• However, King Richard III declared his nephews illegitimate because Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville had been bigamous. 
• This proclamation effectively disqualified Edward V from the throne and paved the way for Richard to become King Richard III. 
• This controversial event, known as the Titulus Regius, has been a significant topic of argument among historians, with debates about Richard III’s motivation and the claim’s legitimacy.
• Shortly after being declared illegitimate, the princes were confined to the Tower of London and were seldom seen in public afterward. 
• It led to the rumor that they had been murdered, a crime often attributed to Richard III, although no substantial evidence has been found to support this. 

THE REIGN OF RICHARD III

• King Richard III ascended to the throne on July 6, 1483, following the death of his brother, King Edward IV. 
• Even though his reign was short, it was marked by significant events and reforms that left a mark on England’s history. 
• Richard III’s reign was notable for its significant domestic reforms. 
• Despite the political unrest that marked his time on the throne, Richard undertook numerous initiatives to improve the lives of the people. 
• He enacted laws to ensure the equitable administration of justice. 
• These laws prohibited the sale of offices and banned restrictions on the printing and selling of books. 
• Furthermore, he introduced policies to improve the country’s trade, implementing measures to control the quality of wool exports, the backbone of England’s economy during that period.
• Richard III pursued an active foreign policy. 
• He attempted to establish strong alliances with Spain and Austria, which were significant powers on the European stage in the 15th century. 
• However, his relations with France remained strained due to the ongoing territorial disputes. 
• During his tenure as King, Richard III also had to contend with conflicts on the northern border of his kingdom, specifically those involving Scotland. 
• His relationship with Scotland was characterized by battles and diplomatic movements. 
• The tension primarily revolved around border disputes and the age-old struggle between England and Scotland for dominance in the British Isles.
• Richard III was well-versed in the complexities of the northern territories, primarily due to his upbringing and role in the Council of the North. 
• His approach to the Scottish conflict included military strategy and diplomatic negotiation. 
• While he fortified the borders and prepared his army for potential battle, he also sought peaceful resolution through diplomacy, in line with his foreign policy approach.
• However, the untimely end of Richard III’s reign meant that the full extent of his plans for dealing with Scotland remains a source of speculation among historians. 
• Nonetheless, his dealings with Scotland add another layer to the complex and multifaceted character of King Richard III.

THE BUCKINGHAM REBELLION

• The Buckingham Rebellion marked a significant event in Richard III’s reign. 
• It was a conspiracy planned by his former ally, Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. 
• The rebellion during 1483 was a failed attempt to overthrow Richard III. 
• The uprising was reportedly instigated by Buckingham’s discontent with Richard III’s rule and his belief in the legitimacy of the claim of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, to the English throne. 
• Buckingham intended to depose Richard III and install Henry Tudor as King. 
• However, the rebellion was swiftly reversed by Richard III’s forces. 
• Buckingham’s betrayal was a significant blow to Richard III, given the former’s instrumental role in Richard III’s rise to power and their close familial ties. 
• Buckingham was captured and executed on November 2, 1483. 
• This event led Richard III to increased paranoia and mistrust towards his remaining nobles.

THE BATTLE OF BOSWORTH FIELD

• Richard III’s reign met a tragic and decisive end at the Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485. This battle was the climax of the Wars of the Roses.
• Henry Tudor, a distant claimant to the throne and leader of the Lancastrian faction, challenged Richard III’s rule. 
• Despite having a smaller force, Henry Tudor was able to rally support and march against Richard III. 
• In response, Richard III gathered his troops and met Henry’s forces at Bosworth Field in Leicestershire.
• The battle was fiercely contested, with Richard III leading a desperate charge directly at Henry in an attempt to end the battle quickly. 
• However, the tide turned against him when the Stanley family, who had previously been loyal to Richard III, switched sides mid-battle and joined forces with Henry Tudor. 
• Overwhelmed and outnumbered, Richard III was killed in action, becoming the last English King to die in battle. 
• His death ended the Yorkist reign and the Wars of the Roses. 
• It also marked the commencement of the Tudor dynasty under King Henry VII.

THE DEATH OF KING RICHARD III

• Richard III died on August 22, 1485, at the Battle of Bosworth Field. 
• It was the last significant battle in the Wars of the Roses. Richard III’s death was notably violent. 
• Contemporary accounts suggest that he was unhorsed on the battlefield and met his death fighting bravely, surrounded by enemies. 
• The King suffered multiple wounds, but the fatal blow was likely delivered to his head. 
• His body was then taken to Leicester and displayed publicly to confirm his death before being buried in the Greyfriars Church. 
• Richard III’s remains were lost for centuries until they were rediscovered in 2012 under a car park in Leicester. 
• This discovery led to extensive scientific tests that confirmed the identity of the remains, offering detailed insights into Richard III’s physical condition, his diet, and the injuries he sustained in his final battle. 
• The discovery of Richard III’s remains also facilitated a reappraisal of his reign and character, adding a new chapter to the history of this controversial King. 
• His reburial in 2015, in Leicester Cathedral, was marked by ceremonies that blended historical commemoration with a contemporary reassessment of his life and reign.

Richard III Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Richard III across 32 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Richard III. Despite his short reign, he implemented administrative reforms, improved the legal system, and supported the arts, aiming to create a fair society.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Richard III of England Facts
2. Don’t Lie!
3. Things I Gave
4. Letter Boxed
5. The Benefits
6. What Comes Next?
7. Richard III
8. Richard III and the Princes
9. Buckingham Rebellion
10. Battle of Bosworth Field
11. The Wars of the Roses

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Richard III?

Richard III was the King of England from 1483 to 1485. He was the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty and the last English king to die in battle. He is most famously known for his role in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne.

How did Richard III come to the throne?

Richard III came to the throne through a combination of political maneuvering and the deposition of his nephew, the young King Edward V. He served as Lord Protector for Edward V after the death of Edward’s father, King Edward IV, but then declared Edward IV’s marriage invalid, making his children illegitimate and himself the rightful king.

What is Richard III’s connection to the Princes in the Tower?

One of the most enduring mysteries surrounding Richard III is the disappearance of his nephews, Edward V and his brother Richard, who were often referred to as the “Princes in the Tower.” It is widely believed that Richard III was responsible for their disappearance, and many historians suspect they were murdered, though the details remain uncertain.

Where was Richard III’s remains discovered?

Richard III’s remains were discovered in 2012 under a parking lot in Leicester, England. This remarkable archaeological discovery confirmed the location of his burial site, which had been lost to history for over 500 years. His remains provided valuable insights into his life and the injuries he sustained during his final battle at Bosworth Field.

What happened to Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field?

Richard III faced off against Henry Tudor (Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485. Richard’s forces were defeated, and he was killed in the battle, making him the last English king to die in combat. Henry Tudor emerged victorious and became Henry VII, marking the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty in England.

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

<a href="https://kidskonnect.com/social-studies/richard-iii/">Richard III Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com</a> - KidsKonnect, October 19, 2023

Link will appear as Richard III Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, October 19, 2023