Richard III belonged to the House of York. Born in 1452 to Richard, Duke of York, he ascended to the throne in 1483 and died in 1485. He was preceded as monarch by his nephew, Edward V, and was succeeded by Henry VII.
Richard's father died at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460. His brother became Edward IV in 1461. On Edward's death, Richard became protector and secured possession of the young king Edward V. He then claimed that Edward IV's children were illegitimate and usurped the throne. A short time later, Edward IV and his brother were murdered in the Tower of London. Richard was widely held responsible.
Buckingham immediately asked Henry, earl of Richmond, to return to England and claim the crown. The conspiracy failed and Buckingham was executed. Eventually, Henry returned, arriving at Milford Haven. Richard and Henry met at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Richard was killed and Henry became Henry VII, the first of king of the House of Tudor.
