“You have served me well, Percy. I value your trust and will rely upon you to call up the men of York when the time is at hand.” Richard felt that the Earl needed this added authority.
Lord Thomas Stanley did not hesitate. He raised the sword toward Richard and proclaimed his allegiance. Thomas was the main authority in northeast England, and William Stanley was Chief Justice in North Wales. If Henry Tudor were to invade through South Wales and march north, the Stanleys would play a key role in any conflict. Thomas made an unusual request, however. “Sire, I believe I can best serve you if you would give me leave to return to my estates to prepare my men from there for the Tudor invasion.”
Richard half-expected such a request. The Earl had been with him since his return from Burgundy with King Edward, and had served with Richard in major encounters. He had dutifully been appointed Constable of England for such service. But the Stanleys were known for their expediency, and always seemed to be at the right place at the right time. Richard knew that as long as Lord Stanley was nearby, the possibility of a defection was not as likely. However, Richard had already decided to take risks in his confrontation with Henry Tudor. He would put his trust in Thomas to the test.
“Your loyalty has been demonstrated many times, Thomas. I so give you leave to return to your estates so you may gather your army.” Then the King qualified his approval and compromised his trust in Lord Stanley. “When you return, however, it would help our cause if you would send your son, Lord Strange, to take your place.” Nothing further was said, but the implication was clear. His son will be held hostage should he waver in his support.
With these commitments, Richard felt confident that should an invasion occur, the Tudor forces would be vastly outnumbered. On August 11, 1485, at Beckwood Lodge, he received a messenger who informed him that Henry Tudor had skirted the royal navy in the Channel, and landed on Britain’s coast at Milford Haven, in South Wales, four days previous.
At that momentous time, history would also note that twelve days earlier, William Caxton had finished printing Mallory’s Morte de Arthur.
IV. CHAPTER 15
On August 7, 1485, Henry Tudor, The Earl of Richmond, did indeed enter the inlet of Milford Haven on the southern coast of Wales and planted his Red Dragon standard of Caldewalder at Mil Bay south of the village of Dale with a force of French, Scottish and English troops. The Welsh native had returned after 14 years of exile and was confident that his fellow Welsh would come to his banner. Although he landed with a strong force, he would need to add to his numbers and seek out those who would desert the king if he were to attack Richard with his formidable army. He particularly wanted to meet with the fierce Welsh Chieftain, Rhys ap Thomas who commanded a large cavalry, and the Stanley’s who he heard had been wavering in their support of Richard. Sir William Stanley had considerable authority and influence in Northwest Wales.
Richard had stationed a force at Dale on the south coast of Wales under Sir William Herbert to repel a possible invasion, but Henry took Dale easily and after moving westward through Haverfordwest, Cardigan and Llanbaden, he directed his forces inland. Proceeding northeast he eventually met with Rhys ap Thomas. At this point, Richard was to realize his first betrayal. By promising the chieftain Lieutenantship of all Wales, Henry secured the support of Thomas under his Raven Banner. The betrayal was one of many to come for Richard.
Continuing to move inland unopposed, Henry took Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury’s uncle, Sir Gilbert Talbot brought more English support at Newport. Meeting with the Stanleys proved more illusive for Henry. William Stanly was to block Henry’s forces. But he gave way before him and instead moved on a parallel course with him giving the impression of tacit support. The Stanleys were hesitant to commit their forces to Henry for fear of execution of Lord Thomas’ son, Lord Strange, being held hostage by Richard. Eventually, the Stanley’s agreed to meet with Henry who was now camped at Atherstone. There Henry did get a pledge of support from the Stanleys, for all this was worth, as they still kept their force apart from the Earl. Henry also received reinforcements from Sir William Savage at Atherstone who arrived with 1500 more men. Now Henry’s forces were more than doubled and powerful enough to move against King Richard.
Richard was beset by another betrayal. John Hardwick, one of Richard’s Commissioner for Leicester, deserted Richard and joined Henry at Atherstone with horses to guide his army. He was familiar with this area and would be valuable in giving Henry advice on the dangerous terrain of Redemoor Plain ahead covered by fens, bogs and watercourses.
On the morning of August 21, 1485, Henry departed Atherstone and moved his army northeast along the Fenn Lane, previously an old Roman road. The Stanley’s moved in the same direction but kept apart from Henry with Lord Thomas taking a position at Stoke Golding and William Stanley encamping at Dadlington. Both positions were on higher ground south of the Fenn Lane where they could observe the progress of the battle to come and enter the fray on the side of the likely victor----a wise but devious action having pledged their support to both Richard and Henry. Lord Stanley still feared for the fate of his son Lord Strange should he side with Henry too soon.
With Hardwick’s assistance Henry made his way along the Fenn Lane to a river ford called Sandeford south of the Dadlington rise where the Fenn Lane meets a stream called the Sence Brook, and then veered in a northern course toward Sutton Cheney and Richard’s forces. As he moved along the Fenn Land, Henry kept a particularly large marsh on his right as a defense against a flank attach. This move also put the sun behind him. Since Richard’s forces were aligned on a more southwest direction, this did not pose as much of a problem in the early morning.
Keeping the marsh on his right, Henry then moved his army westward along the southern reaches of a rise called Ambion Hill with the vanguard of John de Vere, the Earl of Oxford facing north on the left flank, and Jasper Tudor, the Earl of Pembroke, on the right flank. Both were now facing the forces of Richard observed to be taking positions on the higher slopes above. Oxford was eager to avenge the death of his father and brother as well as his defeat at Tewkesbury. Pembroke wanted revenge for his losses against King Edward when he fought with Warwick and the Nevilles against King Edward. Henry placed his household guard behind Pembroke and studied the deployment of Richard’s army now feeling confident that he had the superior numbers to attack Richard, avenge the death of his father Owen Tudor by the Yorkists, and establish himself as the rightful king of England.
BOSWORTH FIELD
Battlefield map from The Field of Bosworth
by K.S. Wright
IV. CHAPTER 16
Richard departed Nottingham for Leicester on August 19 with a large contingent of troops. There he was informed that Henry had moved across Wales unopposed. This was due mainly to the betrayal of the Welsh Chieftain Rhys ap Thomas who had been seduced by Henry’s promise of Lieutenantship of all Wales-one of many betrayals to come. The Tudor was even now moving northeasterly along the Fenn Lane toward Sutton Cheney and not London as Richard had previously suspected.
Having confirmed Henry’s movements, Richard then proceeded on through Sutton Cheney, and on August 22, 1485, Richard III, Plantagenet King, stood high on Ambion Hill near a town called Market Bosworth, southwest of Leicester, and looked at the army of Henry Tudor forming along the across the Redemoor Plain. Richard could see that his nemesis, the Earl of Oxford, had taken up a position along the southwest slope of Ambion Hill and ordered Norfolk to form up opposite him. Richard’s van moved to Norfolk’s left flank opposite that of Pembroke and his cavalry, but stayed to the rear with his household cavalry. With Northumberland on his left flank near to Sutton Cheney. Richard’s army now formed an extended line across Ambion from Norfolk on Ambion Hill to Northumberland near Sutton Cheney so as to provoke fear in Henry’s forces.
Looking south from the heights of Ambion Hill, Richard now realized that the vows of the Stanleys given previously, were worthless. He was informed that Lord Thomas Stanley was posi
tioned across from his right flank at Stoke Golding to the southwest of Ambion Hill, poised to strike across Redemoor Plain, willing to forfeit the life of his son, Lord Strange, whom Richard was holding as hostage against such a betrayal. Sir William Stanley was reported to be on the rise at Dadlingtom on Richard’s left flank southeast of Ambion Hill waiting to attack the from the south if Richard should falter. These betrayals were cause for Richard to suspect that even Northumberland might betray him once the battle began because of his delay in bringing up his men, and his refusal to call up the men of York, as he was expected to do. Now the Armies of King Richard and the would-be-King Henry, the Earl of Richmond, faced each other across Redemoor Plain prepared to do battle for the crown of England, a battle that would change the history of England.
Both armies engaged in the early morning of August 22, with both cannon and flights of arrows. Shouting, curses, clanging of armor, and sounds of snorting horses permeated the air. The battle raged on for the next two hours with fierce hand-to-hand fighting as both armies try to outflank each other. Norfolk’s line finally began to falter and Oxford sensing a weakness crashed into his line causing a broad retreat. The retreat turned into a rout and John Howard, the Duke of Norfolk is mortally wounded. His son Thomas, the Earl of Surrey, is taken prisoner. Norfolk was the most experienced commander on the field and his loss was another serious blow to Richard. Hearing this news, Richard called upon Northumberland to engage, but the Earl delays in bringing his men into play with dubious excuses.
The battle is slowly turning against Richard when he was also informed that Lord Thomas is now moving in support of Oxford. Sir William Stanley takes this as a sign and begins to move his cavalry down from Dadlington toward the Sandeford. Richard is furious at their betrayal and orders the execution the son Lord Strange who he has been holding hostage against this event. Only the recommendation of Sir William Harrington to spare George Stanley’s life saved him. This was most unusual since the Stanley’s had taken land from the Harringtons.
Now Richard had to make some bold decisions. Both Stanleys were moving against him, Northumberland would not commit, Norfolk had been killed, and his lines were being breached by Oxford. Even as the Duke of Norfolk’s men were retreating from the main vanguard of the Lancastrian Earl of Oxford on the western slope of Ambion Hill, however, Richard knew what he had to do. The night before, as he gazed at the flickering fires of the Tudor forces, and twisting Anne’s emerald ring on his finger, he reflected on the path that brought him to this obscure field at Bosworth. He had claimed a Kingdom and ruled it with fairness and justice, serving the downtrodden, enacting laws to help the oppressed, bestowing gifts, titles and land to supporters, and working to improve Parliament. But along the way he was too generous, and ruled from the heart rather than the sword, which would have strengthened the control over his destiny.
What also pervaded his thoughts that night was sadness at the losses of his brother and King, Edward; his son and direct heir, Ned; and his dear Queen, Anne, who died from despair as much as from a prolonged illness. The pain of the past years would fade as a distant memory, but the scars would last forever. He felt helpless to do anything about these acts of fate, but he could still slay the dragon of his guilt for the taking of the throne from his bother’s son, and save his England by one great victory. He knew that he must strike at the heart of his enemy. With the death of Henry Tudor, their cause would be lost.
Now he would risk it all. A scout had located the Tudor across the field, identified by his heraldic markings. They reported that Henry with his bodyguard of cavalry and foot soldiers were separating from his van and moving to higher ground to observe the progress of the rapidly changing battle. Richard saw that a victory would still be his if he could dispatch Henry while he was in a vulnerable position He then quickly mounted his white courser, sword in hand, with his golden battle circlet affixed to his helmet, and summoned his Household Guard, less than one hundred in number, around his banner of the White Boar. These were his most trusted and loyal followers, which included Viscount Francis Lovell, Sir Richard Ratcliffe, Sir Robert Brackenbury, John Kendall and Sir Robert Percy-all in full armor.
“We ride across the battle line to strike the Tudor,” he declared waving his sword high. “Raise the banners!” The Sun in Splendor fluttered next to the White Boar. Edward would ride with him this day. Looking at the company around him, he knew loyalty bound them. He could tell from the intense look in their eyes that they understood. It was madness, but they would follow their King into hell if necessary. Loyaulté me lie. He heard the trumpets sound the Plantagenet battle cry, and signaled the charge. “Now…. for England.”
The way led down the Ambien Hill, toward Henry Tudor, at a trot at first, then at a quickened pace past the startled cavalry of Sir William Stanley who watched, stunned. Richard Plantagenet, wearing the golden circlet of his Kingship, and the men of his Household, rode in a swift, tight formation, an array of steel sparked with red, blue and gold, and crashed against the Tudor guards. Rash, valiant, totally unexpected, the Royal forces hammered upon the protective perimeter that surrounded the man who sought the crown. Shields locked, horses wheeled and reared, stifling dust filled the air. There was a blare of trumpets. The shrill screams of the horses merged with human cries. Back on Ambion Hill, Henry Percy of Northumberland watched in silence, and stood fast. His men were puzzled. Percy had pledged his loyalty and, if given the order, they were prepared to support their King.
Richard didn’t notice, for with the first shock of the impact, consciousness of detail had ceased. He was aware only that the strength was yet his to win this day--to sanctify his Kingship. His left arm bore the battle shield and controlled the warhorse; his right cleaved his sword in an arc of death. Sir John Cheyney blocked his way and the slight King knocked the giant to earth. Richard is unhorsed and Robert Brandon, now no longer holding Henry Tudor’s Red Dragon standard, ready for combat, loomed before him. Richard’s sword, wielded by the strength of resolve, again dealt death.
Through the narrow slit of his visor, Richard saw that Francis Lovell still fought beside him. In the whirlpool of men and horses and dust, a human shield yet surrounded him. He pressed on--a few yards more pushing Henry’s guard toward the Sandeford. He could see Henry Tudor. Victory was in sight. Now then. He raised his arm and took a deep breath. Suddenly, a pounding cadence of rushing horses and battle shouts shattered all hope. The red-jacketed men of William Stanley’s cavalry, more than two thousand men, charged into his small guard, smothering them with their crushing numbers.
“Treason,” he cried. “Treason.” Richard pushed ahead as his guard turned to face this treacherous onslaught. Blows fell upon him. The dust choked him. There was pain in every part of his being. He could still see Henry Tudor staring in fear and disbelief. “Treason,” he cried again, and wondered that his body should be one with the sky that flamed so red. “Anne,” he whispered as the redness turned to darkness, blotting out the sun. Brought down by a dozen swords, Richard fell to earth. His is blood spilled across the soil of his Kingdom, and his helmet, affixed with the golden crown of England, rolled beyond the reach of the last Plantagenet King.
I swear that nothing
He ever did deserved an end
Like this.....
Two few of his warriors remembered
To come, when our lord faced death, alone.
And now the giving of swords, of golden
Rings and rich estates, is over,
Ended for you and everyone who share
Your blood.
Beowulf
RICHARD III
Painting by Unknown Artist
National Portrait Gallery
EPILOGUE
THE REIGN OF THE TUDORS
The Tudor reign began when the circlet of Kingship was placed upon the head of Henry Tudor, Henry VII, at Crown Hill on the field of Bosworth after defeating Richard III on August 22, 1485. The body of Richard Plantagenet was stripped and flung
over a horse with a felon’s halter about his neck and borne along the Fenn Lane to Leicester where he was put on display for three days to establish that he was dead.
Originally it was believed that Richard’s body was desecrated and thrown into the river Soar nearby. In later years it was believed that the Greyfriars in Leicester had buried the last Plantagenet King in an unmarked grave. Now the Richard III Society has confirmed that Richard III was eventually buried by the Greyfriars in their Franciscan Abbey where his bones were uncovered in 2012. The following are excerpts about the discovery from reports of the Richard III Society.
The discovery of Richard’s burial cite was made by Ricardian Phillppa Langely who was convinced that Richard III’s grave lay in the area of the choir section where the Greyfriar’s Abbey once stood. It began with premonitions she had while visiting a car park in Leicester that was built over the site of the original Abbey. She had the sensation that she was in the vicinity of Richard’s grave and that it was not destroyed after Henry VIII decreed the dissolution of monasteries in 1583.
In the words of Philippa Langely, "The moment I walked into that car park in Leicester the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and something told me this was where we must look. A year later I revisited the same place, not believing what I had first felt. And this time I saw a roughly painted letter 'R' on the ground (for 'reserved parking space', obviously!)… it was almost directly under that 'R' that King Richard was found. "This was the first area we excavated in fact, and it proved to be the choir of the church, the very place where we knew he was buried. And it was on the very first day, the anniversary of Richard's burial, that we came across his remains.”
Anne of Warwick The Last Plantagenet Queen Page 35