The Final Year and Fall of Richard III

<p>In the concluding episode of the <em>Medieval Kings</em> series, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine the turbulent final year of Richard III’s reign - and the rumors, rivalries, and betrayals that carried him toward Bosworth.</p><p>Did Richard intend to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York? Did he hasten the death of his wife, Anne Neville? Or were these accusations part of a growing propaganda campaign designed to undermine his crown? From Richard’s public denial of the allegations to his negotiations for a Portuguese marriage, this episode separates contemporary evidence from the stories that later became accepted as fact.</p><p>Rebecca and Matt also explore the political grievances behind Henry Tudor’s invasion, the crucial role played by the Stanleys, and Richard’s final, high-risk cavalry charge at Bosworth. His enemies did not necessarily rally behind Henry to avenge the Princes in the Tower - they brought old grudges, personal ambitions, and carefully cultivated rumors to the battlefield.</p><p>This is the story of Richard III’s last year: a king surrounded by suspicion, abandoned by those he needed most, and ultimately killed fighting for his crown.</p><p>--Join our growing community of history lovers on Patreon! Become part of the conversation and enjoy <strong>commercial-free episodes, early access, exclusive content, live chats, and more.</strong> Your support also helps keep the podcast - and independent history - going. Join us today using this link: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty</p><p>--Host: Rebecca Larson</p><p>Guest: Matt Lewis</p><p></p>