PDF Summary:The Princes in the Tower, by Philippa Langley

For centuries, the disappearance of the two young Princes in the Tower of London has captivated the minds of historians. In The Princes in the Tower, Philippa Langley meticulously examines this enduring mystery, analyzing the lives and characters of Edward V and Richard, Duke of York. She explores the political turmoil of the time and delves into key figures like Richard III.

The book scrutinizes each event surrounding the princes' imprisonment in the Tower and their subsequent vanishing. From accusations of illegitimacy to potential rescue attempts, Langley carefully reconstructs the historical context and unearths new findings that could shed light on this enigmatic chapter of English history.

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The question of whether Richard, Duke of York's rise to kingship was legitimate is a significant topic of discussion.

Langley meticulously investigates Richard of York's documented journeys and pairs it with an in-depth historical analysis of the 'Perkin Warbeck' conspiracy, revealing a persuasive link that suggests Richard left the Tower and subsequently emerged at Margaret of York's court in 1493. The author argues that the traditional view of the 'Perkin Warbeck' conspiracy, which relies on a lone confession potentially coerced and presented in a way that serves the confessor's interests, is currently considered unreliable. The book also reveals the commonly held view that Richard of York, the true offspring of Edward IV, was the legitimate heir who ought to have ascended to the throne of England.

At the onset of Henry VII's Parliament in January 1486, the previous law from 1484 that had deemed Edward IV's descendants illegitimate was overturned, restoring their inheritance rights and allowing his eldest son to reassert his claim to the throne even though he remained in exile. By the latter part of 1486, there was a belief that Edward V had taken up residence in Ireland, and concurrently, it was thought that his younger sibling had established his life in Portugal. During the summer of 1487, at the Battle of Stoke Field, Edward's destiny was irrevocably determined when he either faced defeat, sustained injuries, or lost his life. Langley's research revealed a crucial aspect of his brother's story that had previously been overlooked: Thomas Peirse's journey to England was specifically to inform Elizabeth Woodville and Thomas, Marquess of Dorset, about Richard's survival, whereabouts, and his unwavering determination to pursue his rightful place as the king of England.

Understanding what became of Richard, Duke of York, after his imprisonment in the Tower of London, and considering the various outcomes such as his distress, death, or chance of fleeing, is of utmost importance.

Langley notes that the common understanding of Richard, Duke of York being seized in London by Henry VII, confessing to being an impostor from France, and facing his demise at Tyburn is acknowledged as a matter of historical record. She reveals that much of the story might originate from a narrative designed to align with the viewpoints that were widespread in the Tudor era, requiring careful scrutiny to identify any possible exaggerations, inaccuracies, or fabricated elements. The author presents new evidence supporting the notion that Richard escaped his anticipated execution on November 23, 1499, and suggest that the decision to preserve Richard's life was influenced by persuasive appeals from Margaret of Burgundy and Maximilian I.

The widespread belief is that Richard met his end at Tyburn Hill on Friday, November 23, 1499. The two young men, related to King Richard III and accused of high treason, faced their demise at the hands of the executioner, ostensibly because one was thought to be Perkin Warbeck, an impostor who professed to be descended from a boatman's family in Tournai. The official narratives of the time relate that Richard, previously Henry VII's prisoner for four years, was forced to confess and then publicly proclaim his imposture in London. After a thorough examination of the historical documents concerning Richard's imprisonment and his later confession of wrongdoing, which continued even after Richard III's reign, it is clear that everyone recognized Richard as the true successor to King Edward IV and the lawful inheritor of the Yorkist heritage. The indications are that Richard's confessions, which lack consistency, were likely altered or concocted before being intentionally released to discredit his assertions. In her investigation, Langley meticulously examined historical documents such as the Great Chronicle of London and discovered a significant gap: there is no mention of Richard admitting to any misdeeds at Tyburn in these records.

Other Perspectives

• The analysis of Edward V's character and formative years, while helpful, may not conclusively determine his mental state during the events of 1483 due to the limited and potentially biased historical sources available.
• The importance of Edward V's imprisonment in the Tower as a pivotal topic may overshadow other significant factors that contributed to his disappearance.
• The central role of Richard III in the disappearance of the princes is a matter of historical debate, and alternative theories suggest other individuals or circumstances could have been responsible.
• The investigation into Edward V's possible relocation to the Channel Islands, while intriguing, is speculative without concrete evidence.
• The reversal of the Act of Succession by Henry VII could be seen as a political maneuver rather than a restoration of justice, and its interpretation may vary depending on the perspective of the historian.
• The exploration of Edward V's governance in Ireland might be based on limited or misinterpreted evidence, and the conclusions drawn could be challenged by other historical interpretations.
• The significance of determining Edward V's fate after the Battle of Stoke Field may be overstated if it does not lead to concrete evidence or if it relies too heavily on circumstantial evidence.
• The focus on Richard, Duke of York's formative years and character traits may not provide sufficient evidence to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
• The transfer of Richard to the Tower of London as a pivotal moment may be an oversimplification of a complex series of events with multiple interpretations.
• The hypothesis that Richard III and the Duke of Norfolk orchestrated Richard of York's disappearance is one of several theories and may not be the most accurate explanation.
• The journey of Richard, Duke of York, with the Peirse family, while documented, may be interpreted in various ways, and the evidence may not be definitive.
• The legitimacy of Richard, Duke of York's rise to kingship and the 'Perkin Warbeck' conspiracy are subjects of ongoing historical debate, and the evidence is not universally accepted.
• Understanding what became of Richard after his imprisonment in the Tower is complicated by the scarcity of reliable sources, and alternative theories may be equally plausible.

The disappearance of the young royals occurred within a specific historical setting and context.

The struggle came to be referred to as the Cousins' War.

The contention was primarily fueled by contentious issues concerning the succession to the throne.

Langley emphasizes that the 15th-century chaos was rooted in deliberate disruptions to the line of succession in England, worsened by attempts to delegitimize heirs, particularly those who were progeny of Lionel, Duke of Clarence, whose claim to the throne was the strongest legally, even more so than the claim of the House of Lancaster.

Edward III took measures in 1376-1377 to establish a legal obstacle with the intention of preventing his granddaughter Phillippa from inheriting the throne following his demise, a right she would have been entitled to through her father, Lionel, who held the title of Clarence's Duke. In the 1450s, Richard, a descendant of the third Duke of York, strove to counteract the marginalization of his family line, while the ongoing disruption of the hereditary succession by the Lancastrian dynasty since 1399 remained a significant historical event. A member of Edward III's bloodline, Henry VI, was now the reigning monarch.

Richard III and Henry VII both implemented tactics to marginalize the descendants of the Mortimer family.

Langley examines a pivotal strategy that guaranteed the secure transport of Edward V and Richard, Duke of York. The protectors of the young royals probably contemplated the methods Henry IV used to diminish the influence of the Mortimer heirs and to counteract Edmund and Roger's claims to the throne, in light of the challenges presented by Henry VII's claims.

Langley's investigation emphasizes the ultimate fate of the Mortimer brothers, Edmund and Roger. The publication reveals that the monarch's inner circle was thoroughly familiar with the historical practice of overthrowing a young successor. In times of upheaval, concealing their whereabouts was crucial. Historical events included abduction attempts and an apparent move towards reconciliation, which ultimately led to a gradual shift in loyalty towards the ruling power.

The story commences with the death of Edward IV.

The inquiry placed considerable emphasis on the power exercised by the monarch's consort.

Langley notes that the prevailing narrative, which depicts Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as a 'ruthless schemer' responsible for manipulating the events in the year 1483 to his own and his associates' advantage, stems from later accounts, particularly those of the Tudor period, which are biased and evidently contain inaccuracies. The Missing Princes Project has meticulously examined authentic historical documents and integrated recent scholarly studies to determine the actual chronology of occurrences. Recent findings imply a nuanced story, revealing that the Woodville family was involved not merely as victims of a Yorkist coup but also as architects of a failed attempt to seize power. Richard III deemed it essential to isolate Edward V for the protection of his reputation and personal safety, as he believed some individuals were plotting against him.

Elizabeth Woodville and her relatives were determined to cement their power by initially seizing custody of her son, the newly anointed Edward V, and subsequently by creating a power base in the city to sustain their dominance over the government, even when her son became an adult. Additionally, to protect their position, Elizabeth and her kin appeared to proceed with caution to prevent disclosing the king's secret marriage to Lady Eleanor Talbot.

Serious attention is warranted by the investigation's significant emphasis on Anthony Woodville, also known as Earl Rivers.

Understanding the pivotal role played by Anthony Woodville, 2nd Earl Rivers, is essential to grasp the chain of occurrences and the intentions of the participants before and following the death of Edward IV. She notes that the commonly held perception of Rivers as an outstanding and competent protector, especially committed to the well-being of his royal charges such as King Edward V, is not well-supported upon close scrutiny of all the facts. Rivers appeared to exploit his role to enhance his personal wealth and power, using his proximity to the royal coffers and his influential contacts to benefit his kin and allies, an approach that ultimately undermined the monarchy's interests.

Langley underscores the importance of scrutinizing certain events, especially the modifications implemented in the administrative protocols for the Prince of Wales's Council in Ludlow during February 1483. Rivers succeeded in bringing Sir Richard Grey, his nephew, into the circle of influence, thereby significantly increasing the Woodville family's power over Edward V. Rivers reached out to his representative in London, Andrew Dymmock, to obtain the necessary paperwork that would confirm his guardianship over the future king. What prompted the appeal to be made at that specific time, given that Rivers had recently been present in the city for the legislative session, a more opportune moment for such actions? The Woodvilles sought to strengthen their position in London by ensuring Thomas, the Marquess of Dorset and nephew of Rivers, was named the successor to his uncle's role as the Deputy Constable of the Tower of London.

A supposed premarital contract associated with Edward IV.

His sovereignty was overshadowed by the secretive marriage to Lady Eleanor Talbot.

The discussion regarding Richard III's rightful ascension to the throne has continued for centuries, frequently clouded by prejudiced accounts from traditional historians, which resulted in the condemnation of the pre-contract, and consequently Richard III, as a tactical fabrication by the Duke of Gloucester's supporters to strengthen his rule and deter any challengers from the House of Lancaster. Langley's investigation has revealed significant evidence supporting the legitimacy of Richard III's ascension to the throne. The present examination views the pre-contract as the crucial factor associated with the disappearance of Edward IV's sons.

On June 25, 1483, a formal petition was drafted, beseeching the Duke of Gloucester, Richard, to claim the crown, and it presented four distinct reasons supporting this appeal. An implicit agreement had been acknowledged before the formal arrangement was made. The subsequent union of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville led to... Edward IV's first marriage to Eleanor Talbot, commonly known as a 'pre-contract,' continued to be legally recognized and was never invalidated. A clandestine marriage that would have been deemed bigamous by those living at the time, The initial transgressions were exacerbated and made beyond redemption. Edward IV's children were proclaimed to be born out of wedlock. The title of Earl of Warwick, held by eight-year-old Edward, did not qualify him for the throne due to the legal ramifications linked to his father's deeds. He assumed the mantle of King Richard III the day after.

The inquiry pinpointed the pivotal event as the erosion of the rightful claim of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville's children.

Langley notes that the postponement of the coronation for Edward V, originally set for a specific day in the summer of 1483, continues to be a mystery, with much of the information from that period being either missing or intentionally destroyed. Langley thoroughly analyzed the events and the involvement of key figures, leading to the determination that the children of Edward IV were deemed illegitimate, taking into account various elements. Langley proposes that this event probably resulted in the relocation of the princes to a location with enhanced security.

On June 16, 1483, key leaders from religious and governmental circles guided the young Richard, Duke of York, away from the safety of the Westminster sanctuary. Edward was joined by his brother as they made their way to the Tower of London, where preparations were underway for Edward's coronation scheduled for the 22nd of June. The ceremony to crown Edward was initially planned for the subsequent day but was postponed to occur on November 9th. The public was not informed of the cause for the postponement at the time it happened. On June 22, the revelation emerged that Edward IV had been secretly wed to Lady Eleanor Talbot.

The events that transpired at the height of 1483.

The delay in revealing details concerning the demise of Edward IV poses a significant topic for investigation.

Historical records from that period do not support the claim that Richard, Duke of Gloucester, hastened to York with an intention to usurp authority in the aftermath of Edward IV's passing. She offers a detailed examination of the occurrences, suggesting that the postponement following the demise of Edward IV can be attributed to decisions taken by individuals in London as opposed to any scheming by Richard in the north.

Langley emphasizes the four-day interval between the passing of Edward IV at Westminster on April 3, 1483, and the declaration of his death to the public. John, Lord Howard, who loyally served Edward IV and Richard III, seemed to be the only person outside of London who had knowledge of this matter. Howard set out for the capital with a retinue of about fifty people, all dressed in mourning attire, immediately after receiving a letter from Edward IV on April 4th. On April 6, the city of York, the birthplace of Edward IV and Richard III, was abuzz with excitement. Upon hearing the news, the regional council assembled to coordinate an official expression of sorrow.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was entrusted with the safeguarding of the realm.

Langley offers a detailed analysis of Richard of Gloucester's actions following the king's demise, emphasizing the importance of the protectorate in managing the country's affairs and illustrating Richard's use of his position as England's Constable to ensure the secure return of Edward V to London.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester, probably learned of Edward IV's death when he was in the north-west of England or close to the Scottish borders on April 14th. Upon hearing of the king's passing, Gloucester swiftly reached out to the monarch's widow and the governing body in the capital, conveying his condolences, pledging his loyalty, and acknowledging his rightful place in the rule of the young king as his late brother's will had outlined. The newly crowned sovereign sent a letter to King Edward V, who was living in Ludlow. Gloucester set out before April 24th, flanked by a company comprising 200 to 300 gentlemen, aiming to meet up with the young king. The gathering was scheduled to occur in Northampton.

Following the events in Northamptonshire, Sir Richard Grey and Anthony Woodville, known as Earl Rivers, found themselves apprehended and subsequently imprisoned.

Langley conducts a thorough examination of past events to challenge the commonly held narrative regarding Richard of Gloucester's actions in Northampton and Stony Stratford. She reveals that his immediate response to Rivers' attempt to bolster the king's guard should be seen not as a hostile move to unsettle the young king and his retinue, but as a crucial action carried out in his role as the principal guardian of the country's well-being to defuse a potentially hazardous circumstance.

On April 29, 1483, Richard of Gloucester, dressed in attire befitting a period of grief, journeyed to Northampton with a small entourage numbering between two and three hundred people. They were all dressed in black clothing. Gloucester probably expected to meet his newly anointed nephew in this place. Edward V journeyed to the Woodville family's Grafton property, accompanied by a protective detail, while his forces were stationed not far off in Stony Stratford. The mother of the king and her firstborn son concurred that the king should be escorted by a force of 2,000 soldiers. However, Rivers strayed from the intended course of action by allowing Sir Richard Grey to accompany them at Grafton. King Edward, though still young, ultimately found the decision to be objectionable.

Elizabeth Woodville's choice to take sanctuary in Westminster Abbey along with her children represents a pivotal moment worthy of scrutiny.

On the first of May, Elizabeth Woodville sought sanctuary in Westminster Abbey along with her children, a step that is commonly interpreted by traditional historians as a last resort, as highlighted by Langley. She reveals, though, that there is no evidence to support the assertion that Elizabeth was motivated by worries about her own safety or the well-being of her children due to Richard. During times of unrest, Elizabeth frequently sought refuge in sacred havens, and her conduct in 1470 was a prime example of this as she transformed one such sanctuary into a hub for coordinating military resistance against the authorities, while her allies worked to garner support from abroad.

While Elizabeth Woodville was preparing to depart from Westminster, she was disturbed by news from Northampton and Stony Stratford, coinciding with her preparations for the forthcoming crowning of her son, which was scheduled to take place on May fourth. On the first of May, Elizabeth, along with a number of her family members, sought sanctuary within the hallowed walls of Westminster Abbey. Her flight to find sanctuary, driven by baseless allegations of danger to her well-being, was a deliberate but hasty attempt to garner support for an uprising and to invoke sympathy for her predicament. Elizabeth's efforts to muster troops on the preceding day were unsuccessful.

The plan to extricate the princes from their royal lodgings in the Tower of London was foiled.

Langley emphasizes the importance of the foiled abduction plot to understand the wider historical setting during the period when Richard III held the position of Protector. Upon uncovering the conspiracy, the monarch took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of his nephews. The plot highlights the real peril confronting Edward V, particularly from those opposed to Richard of Gloucester's role as protector, who were determined to preserve the existing political framework.

In Caversham, as King Richard attended to his regal responsibilities, his trusted confidant John Howard, who bore the titles of Duke of Norfolk and Earl Marshal, journeyed to London and seized several people near Bray, in the proximity of Maidenhead. Howard was appointed as the Admiral of England on July 25th, which came with specific delegated authorities. On July 29th, Howard was back in London, managing judicial matters at Crosby's Place, the former residence of King Richard. John Stow's historical record in the Annals of England includes a detailed account of the trial, naming those executed: included in the list of the condemned were Robert Russe, the London Mace Sergeant, William Davy, John Smith, and Stephen Ireland, the individual in charge of the Tower's wardrobe.

Hastings met his end by execution.

Langley disputes the widespread assumption that William, Lord Hastings was executed by Richard of Gloucester as a calculated tactic to eliminate a formidable opponent by concocting treason allegations, through a thorough examination of the historical records. She demonstrates how the interplay of internal political dynamics and international affairs provides insight into Gloucester's actions on June 13th, highlighting that his extensive tenure as England's Constable, which spanned over ten years during the reign of his brother, King Edward IV, granted him considerable power during times of turmoil.

On the 13th of June, 1483, which was a Friday, Lord Hastings was apprehended with individuals including Bishop Morton amidst a council meeting at the Tower Palace, due to allegations of plotting against Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Hastings met his demise after being pronounced guilty.

The assembly comprising the three societal divisions proclaimed Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as King Richard III.

After a thorough examination of the historical data, it is evident that the widely accepted view of Richard of Gloucester as a ruthless power-seizer who spread disinformation to strengthen his grip on authority lacks substantiation. To fully understand how Richard, Duke of Gloucester, climbed the ranks to be crowned King Richard III on June 26, 1483, it is crucial to meticulously analyze the historical documents from that period. Langley demonstrates that this approach reveals a degree of transparency in actions, as well as a certain amount of legal and constitutional lucidity that prior scholars have failed to recognize.

Langley uncovers important findings. She reveals that the oration, which confirmed his legitimate claim to kingship, was of significant importance during his coronation. The narrative delves deeply into the pivotal instance when the nobility, clergy, and general populace, collectively referred to as the Three Estates of the Realm, came together in agreement to elect him as their sovereign. The event was well-attended and received favorably, as indicated by historical records. During that period, there is no documentation of any acts of resistance or challenge.

Investigations during Richard III's reign supported the belief that the princes remained alive.

Throughout Richard III's reign, which spanned from 1483 to 1485, Langley notes a significant absence of historical documentation concerning the fate of the young princes. Given the scarcity of evidence, it is essential to meticulously scrutinize every relevant document to arrive at a fair and substantiated verdict. The absence of formal requests for prayers or masses to commemorate them suggests the two young princes remained alive. Secular and religious authorities recognized that Edward V, along with his brother Richard, the Duke of York, remained alive.

Official and regional documents provide indications that Edward V may have continued to live. His sibling joined him during his confinement within the walls of the Tower of London for a duration. Richard III's government provided assurances to Queen Elizabeth regarding her daughters' well-being, which led her to leave her sanctuary. Members of the aristocracy were present to observe the solemn vow being taken.

Other Perspectives

• The term "Cousins' War" is more commonly known as the Wars of the Roses, and some historians may argue that the term oversimplifies the complex dynastic and political struggles of the period.
• The assertion that Edward III created legal obstacles specifically to prevent Phillippa from inheriting the throne could be contested by some historians who might argue that the measures were part of broader efforts to stabilize succession laws.
• The claim that Richard of York's lineage was marginalized could be debated, considering the political maneuvering and shifting alliances of the time, which affected various claimants' fortunes.
• The degree to which Richard III and Henry VII actively worked to marginalize the Mortimer descendants might be questioned, with some suggesting that their actions were part of wider political strategies rather than targeted suppression.
• The narrative around the protectors of the young royals and their intentions could be challenged, with alternative interpretations suggesting different motivations or strategies.
• The emphasis on Anthony Woodville's role and intentions could be disputed, with some historians possibly arguing for a more sympathetic interpretation of his actions.
• The legitimacy and impact of the premarital contract associated with Edward IV could be a subject of debate, with some scholars questioning the evidence and its interpretation.
• The interpretation of Elizabeth Woodville's actions and motivations for seeking sanctuary could be contested, with some historians possibly offering a more nuanced or sympathetic view of her situation.
• The characterization of the plot to extricate the princes from the Tower as a foiled abduction could be challenged, with some arguing that there is insufficient evidence to fully understand the event.
• The portrayal of Hastings' execution might be contested, with some historians suggesting that it was a more complex event with multiple factors at play.
• The assertion that the assembly's proclamation of Richard III as king was transparent and widely accepted could be debated, with some scholars pointing to evidence of dissent and resistance.
• The belief that the princes remained alive during Richard III's reign could be questioned, with some historians arguing that the lack of evidence is not conclusive proof of their survival.