Princes in the Tower
The mystery of the Princes in the Tower revolves around the fate of King Edward V of England and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. These young heirs to the English throne, sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, vanished after being lodged in the Tower of London by their uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, in 1483. While Richard claimed the throne as Richard III, the fate of the two princes remains one of history’s most enduring enigmas.
A painting by English artist John Everett Millais, entitled “The Two Princes Edward and Richard in the Tower”.
Background
On April 9, 1483, King Edward IV died unexpectedly, leaving his twelve-year-old son, Edward V, as his heir. At the time of Edward IV’s death, the prince was residing at Ludlow Castle, while his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was in Yorkshire. Upon hearing the news, Richard made his way to London, meeting Edward V’s retinue at Stony Stratford on April 29. He arrested key members of Edward’s escort, including the boy’s uncle, Anthony Woodville, and half-brother, Sir Richard Grey, who were executed shortly thereafter.
Edward V was taken to the Tower of London in preparation for his coronation, following the tradition of English monarchs. Soon after, his nine-year-old brother, Richard, Duke of York, joined him. However, political maneuvers soon led to their declared illegitimacy by Parliament under the Titulus Regius act. Their uncle, Richard of Gloucester, was then crowned Richard III on July 6, 1483.
Portrait of Edward IV
The Disappearance
The last recorded sighting of the princes was in the summer of 1483. Dominic Mancini, an Italian observer in England at the time, reported that the princes were increasingly confined to the inner quarters of the Tower and were seen less frequently. After this period, no credible sightings were recorded.
Many assume that the boys were murdered, but by whom remains speculative. Richard III is the most commonly accused, but alternative theories point to the Duke of Buckingham, Henry VII, or his mother, Margaret Beaufort. The uncertainty surrounding their fate has fueled numerous theories and speculations.
Painting by French artist Paul Delaroche, titled “The Children of Edward “
Possible Theories of Their Fate
Richard III as the Culprit
As the new king, Richard III had the most apparent motive to eliminate his nephews. Even though they had been declared illegitimate, their mere existence could inspire rebellions, as seen in later uprisings against Richard’s rule. While contemporary sources accused Richard of the crime, he never publicly addressed the allegations, further clouding his role in their disappearance.
Portrait of Richard III of England at the National Portrait Gallery in London, England.
Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham
The Duke of Buckingham was a close ally of Richard III but later rebelled against him. Some historians suggest that Buckingham had his own ambitions for the throne and might have acted independently in eliminating the princes. His abrupt execution by Richard in November 1483 raises questions about a potential fallout between the two men.
Henry VII and Margaret Beaufort
Some theories suggest that the princes were still alive when Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) claimed the throne in 1485. If so, Henry had a strong motive to ensure their deaths to solidify his claim. Henry’s mother, Margaret Beaufort, a politically astute figure, has also been suggested as a possible orchestrator of their murder, though evidence remains circumstantial.
Survival Theories
The idea that one or both princes survived persisted for decades. Two notable pretenders, Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, claimed to be the Duke of York and attempted to rally support. Warbeck, in particular, gained the backing of various European nobles, including Margaret of Burgundy. However, both claimants were eventually captured, with Warbeck executed in 1499.
Discovery of the Skeletons
In 1674, workmen at the Tower of London unearthed a wooden box containing two small skeletons under a staircase. These remains were widely assumed to belong to the princes, and King Charles II had them interred in Westminster Abbey. However, no scientific confirmation has been made, and DNA testing has never been conducted.
Additionally, in 1789, workmen at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, discovered two unidentified child-sized coffins near Edward IV’s burial site. The identities of these remains remain unknown, fueling further speculation.
The truth about the Princes in the Tower may never be definitively known, but the mystery continues to captivate historians and the public alike.
Legacy and Impact
The disappearance of the princes significantly damaged Richard III’s reputation and legitimacy. Rumors of their murder played a key role in rallying support for Henry Tudor, leading to Richard’s defeat at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Even after his death, Richard’s alleged involvement in the crime was cemented in historical and literary tradition, notably by William Shakespeare’s play Richard III.
The mystery remains unresolved, with modern efforts calling for DNA testing of the remains in Westminster Abbey. However, due to royal protocol, no such examination has been permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the princes in the Tower of London?
They were lodged there by their uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, supposedly in preparation for Edward V’s coronation.
What happened to them?
Their fate is unknown, but they were last seen in the summer of 1483 and were presumed murdered.
Who is commonly accused of their murder?
Richard III, who took the throne after they were declared illegitimate.
What evidence exists against Richard III?
He had a strong motive, as the princes were a threat to his reign, and their disappearance occurred under his control.
Tower of London
Who else has been suspected?
The Duke of Buckingham, Henry VII, and Margaret Beaufort have been proposed as alternative culprits.
Did anyone claim to be one of the princes later?
Perkin Warbeck claimed to be Richard, Duke of York, but was later executed.
Were their bodies ever found?
In 1674, two small skeletons were found under a staircase in the Tower, but their identity remains unproven.
Has modern science examined the remains?
A 1933 study suggested they were children, but no DNA testing has been conducted.
Westminster Abbey and the British royal family have not granted permission for exhumation and DNA analysis.
Did their disappearance affect Richard III’s rule?
The mystery damaged his reputation, contributing to his downfall at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
How did Henry VII use their fate to his advantage?
He repealed the law declaring them illegitimate and used their disappearance to discredit Richard III.
Could they have survived?
Some theories suggest they lived in secrecy, supported by figures like Margaret of Burgundy.
There is no definitive evidence proving the fate of Edward V of England and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York. This leaves room for speculation and historical debate.
