England’s King Richard III continues to inspire mystery and controversy 540 years after he was defeated and slain by Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth. Ever since Shakespeare’s indelible and influential portrayal, Richard has been largely depicted as a monstrous crooked-back king whose lust for power led him to usurp the crown by killing the young, legitimate heir and his brother. But is this reputation for villainy and murder warranted? Recently, this narrative has come under intense historical scrutiny. Could Richard be the victim of Tudor propaganda to justify Henry’s invasion and seizure of the throne? This PowerPoint lecture will look at the man, the debate, the evidence, and the historical setting of the Wars of the Roses. Space is limited.

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