Richard II of England

Edward, Prince of Wales, kneeling before his father, King Edward III

Coronation of Richard II aged ten in 1377, from the Recueil des croniques of

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Richard II watches

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Anne and Richard's coronation

Richard II of England (6 January 1367 – c. 14 February 1400) was King of England from 1377 until he was deposed in 1399. Richard's father was Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales, and his grandfather was Edward III of England. Richard's accession to the throne followed the death of his grandfather, marking the beginning of a tumultuous period in English history characterized by political machinations, revolts, and the early stages of the Hundred Years' War.

Early Life

Richard II was born in Bordeaux, in the principality of Aquitaine, France, to Edward, the Black Prince, and Joan of Kent. His birth came during a period of military and political tension between England and France, a backdrop that would shape much of his reign. Following the death of his father in 1376, Richard became heir apparent and was crowned king at the age of ten after the death of Edward III.

Reign

Richard's reign was marked by several major events, including the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. This uprising was a direct result of heavy taxation, social unrest, and the government's attempts to control wages after the Black Death. Richard played a crucial role in the suppression of the revolt, demonstrating both resolve and ruthlessness.

Throughout his reign, Richard faced challenges to his authority from a group of nobles known as the Lords Appellant, which culminated in the Merciless Parliament of 1388. This parliament saw the execution and exile of several of Richard's closest advisors and marked a period of significant constraint on the monarchy.

In the latter part of his reign, Richard sought to strengthen royal authority and embarked on a more autocratic path. This included a peace treaty with France, the marriage to Isabella of Valois, and efforts to neutralize his domestic opponents. However, his actions alienated many, including his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, who would eventually depose him.

Deposition and Death

In 1399, while Richard was on a military campaign in Ireland, Henry Bolingbroke returned from exile, gathered support, and seized the throne, becoming Henry IV of England. Richard was captured upon his return, deposed, and eventually died in captivity in Pontefract Castle. The exact circumstances of his death remain a subject of historical debate.

Legacy

Richard II's reign is often remembered for its contributions to the arts, including the patronage of Geoffrey Chaucer, and the development of the Westminster Hall as a center of government and ceremony. His deposition left a lasting impact on English politics, setting a precedent for the removal of a king and contributing to the later conflicts of the Wars of the Roses.

See Also

• Edward III of England
• Peasants' Revolt
• Wars of the Roses
• Henry IV of England