The current issue of Britain magazine (May 2011) has an article on fighting for the throne in the Wars of the Roses.  It is disappointing that the caption to the reproduction of Millais’ painting of the princes suggests that Richard murdered them.  This may be due in part to the influence of Alison Weir, a number of quotes from her on the subject are included in the article. She cites the discovery of the skeletons as pointing to murder, and says further than Richard’s plan to take the throne was bound to backfire because the shedding of infants’ blood shocked Richard’s contemporaries as much as it does us. Neil Jones provides a potted history of the conflict and the article includes a number of colour illustrations.  Jones mentions that the Richard III Society is today encouraging a reassessment of this much-maligned king, and it is encouraging also that the Society and alternative views about Richard are being given some attention.

Tags: Richard III