Shakespeare the Historian: Richard Ii
Shakespeare the Historian: Richard II and the War of the Roses
Who was Richard II?
Born: 1367
Reign: 1377 – 1399 (deposed)
Death: 1400 (murdered)
Historical Context surrounding Richard II
Richard II was born in 1367, in Bordeaux which was then part of the English principality of Aquitaine. He was the second son of Edward, the Black prince, and his wife Joan of Kent. Edward was in line to the throne, after his father Edward III. The Black Prince was a distinguished military leader like his father, bringing about victories at in the Hundred Year’s War against France. However, Edward died in 1376, and as his first son had died in 1371, Richard was therefore the heir to the throne. Richard ascended to the throne in 1377 at the age of ten.
Richard, at the age of ten, was not prepared to be king. It was usual for such a young monarch to have a regent rule in their place, an older relative. However, it was feared that John of Gaunt – Richard’s uncle – would try to usurp his throne, so instead of a single regent a council of noblemen were put in place to rule on Richard’s behalf.
(Turn to page 178 of Year 7 History textbook)
1381 Peasant’s Revolt – a poll tax was imposed on every person over the age of 15. This resulted in a revolt across Essex and Kent, led by Wat Tyler. The rebels, numbering 100,000 men marched on London, pillaging houses as they went. They burnt the records of their bondage and put to death lawyers, justices and other officials. The king met the men in Essex and granted their demands, which were: abolition of villeinage; reduction of rent to fourpence an acre; free access to all fairs and markets; a general pardon. The men dispersed. Meanwhile some of the men were still rampaging about London, so the king met them at Smithfield where Tyler was killed. Their demands were met and they also dispersed. Once the rioting had calmed down Richard quickly revoked the Charter of Freedom and Pardon.
1388 Merciless or Wonderful Parliament – the
Who was Richard II?
Born: 1367
Reign: 1377 – 1399 (deposed)
Death: 1400 (murdered)
Historical Context surrounding Richard II
Richard II was born in 1367, in Bordeaux which was then part of the English principality of Aquitaine. He was the second son of Edward, the Black prince, and his wife Joan of Kent. Edward was in line to the throne, after his father Edward III. The Black Prince was a distinguished military leader like his father, bringing about victories at in the Hundred Year’s War against France. However, Edward died in 1376, and as his first son had died in 1371, Richard was therefore the heir to the throne. Richard ascended to the throne in 1377 at the age of ten.
Richard, at the age of ten, was not prepared to be king. It was usual for such a young monarch to have a regent rule in their place, an older relative. However, it was feared that John of Gaunt – Richard’s uncle – would try to usurp his throne, so instead of a single regent a council of noblemen were put in place to rule on Richard’s behalf.
(Turn to page 178 of Year 7 History textbook)
1381 Peasant’s Revolt – a poll tax was imposed on every person over the age of 15. This resulted in a revolt across Essex and Kent, led by Wat Tyler. The rebels, numbering 100,000 men marched on London, pillaging houses as they went. They burnt the records of their bondage and put to death lawyers, justices and other officials. The king met the men in Essex and granted their demands, which were: abolition of villeinage; reduction of rent to fourpence an acre; free access to all fairs and markets; a general pardon. The men dispersed. Meanwhile some of the men were still rampaging about London, so the king met them at Smithfield where Tyler was killed. Their demands were met and they also dispersed. Once the rioting had calmed down Richard quickly revoked the Charter of Freedom and Pardon.
1388 Merciless or Wonderful Parliament – the