Richard, Son of Richard: Richard III and Political Prophecy

This article provides a new context for the politics surrounding the death of Edward IV, the accession of Edward V and his replacement in turn by Richard III. By examining prophecy texts, both those recorded at the time and those preserved in local tradition, the article shows how Richard's role as protector and then as king was validated in prophecy. The article sheds new light on Richard of Gloucester's possible motivations and self-interpretation, and further suggests the ways in which the prophecy tradition helped give Richard's regime its particular form.