A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 11
THE REIGNE OF KING RICHARD THE THIRD.
IT was now the eighteenth day of Iune, in the yeer 1483. when Richard Duke of Glocester tooke upon him the Crown: so as the imaginary Raigne of Edward the fifth, continued but just tenne weeks. The next day, King Richard with a great train went to Westminster-hall, and placed himselfe in the Court of the Kings Bench, saying, he would take the Crown upon him in that place where the King himselfe sitteth and ministreth the Law; because he considered that it is the chiefest duty of a King to administer the Laws: And here to get the love of the people by a feigned clemency; he sent for one Fogge out of Sanctuary, who for feare of his displeasure was fled thither; and there in the fight of all the people, caused him to kisse his hand.
After his return home, he tooke to wife the Lady Anne, youngest daughter of the great Warwicke, and the relict of Prince Edward, sonne of Henry the sixth; though …hee could not be ignorant, that he had been the Author both of her husbands and … death. But womens affections are Eccentrick to common apprehension; whereof the two Poles are Passion and Inconstancy.
Against his Coronation he had sent for five thousand men out of the North; and these being come under the leading of Robin of Riddesdale, upon the fourth of Iuly … together with his new bride, he went from Baynards Castle to the Tower by wa…, where he created Edward his Sonne a childe of ten yeers old, Prince of Wales… … Lord Howard Duke of Norfolke, his Sonne Sir Thomas Howard Earle of Surry… … Lord Berckley Earle of Nottingham, Francis Lord Lovell Viscount Lovell, … Chamberlane, and the Lord Stanley (who had been committed pri…oner to the …ower, in regard his Sonne the Lord Strange was reported to have levied forces …) not only that day was released out of prison, but was made Lord … of his Househould. The Archbishop of Yorke was likewise then delivered; but Morton B…shop of Ely (as one that could not be drawne to the disinheriting of … Edwards children) was committed to the Duke of Buckingham, who sent him to his Castle of Brecknock in Wales, there to be in custody. The same night were made seventeen knights of the Bath, Edmund the Duke of Suffolkes sonne, George Gray the Earle of Kents sonne, Willia… the Lord Zouches sonne, Henry Aburga… Christopher Willoughby, Henry Babington, Thomas Arundell, Thomas Boleigne, Gerv… Clifton, William …ay, Edmund Bedingfield, William Enderly, Thomas Lewku…, Th…m… of Vrmond, Iohn Bromne, and William Berckley. The next day, being the fifth o… Iuly, the King rode through the City of London to VVestminster, being accompanied with the Dukes of Norfolk, Buckingham, and Suffolk; the Earles of Northu…b…rland, Arundell, Kent, Surrey, VVil…shire, Huntington, Nottingh…m, Warwick, and Lincol… the Viscounts Liste and Lovell; the Lords Stanley, A…dely, D…cres, Pe…ers of Chartley, Powis, Scroope of …psale, Scroope of Bolton, Gray of Codner, Grey, of Wilton, Sturton, Cobham, Morley, Burgeveny, Zouch, Ferrers of Croby, Wells, Lumley, Matr…vers, Herbert and Beckham, and fourescore Knights. On the morrow, being the sixth of Iuly, the King with Queene An…e his wife, came downe out of the White-Hall, into the Great Hall at Westminster, and went directly to the Kings Bench; and from thence, going upon Ray-cloath, bare-footed, went unto St. Edwards shrine, all his Nobility going with him, every Lord in his degree. The Bishop of Rochester bore the Crosse before the Cardinall: Then followed the Earle of Huntington, be…ng a paire of gilt-spurres, signifying Knighthood: Then followed the Earle of … ford, bearing St. Edwards sta…fe, for a Relique: After him came the Earle of … thumberland bare-headed, with the pointl…sse sword naked in his hand, signifying Mercy: The Lord Stanley bare the Mace of the Constableship: The Earle of Ken… bare the second sword, on the right hand of the King, naked, with a point; which signifyed Justice to the Temporalty: The Lord Lovell bore the third sword on the Kings left hand, with a point; which signifyed Justice to the Clergie: The Duke of Suffolk followed with the Scepter in his hand, which signified Peace: The Earle of Lincolne bore the Ball and Crosse, which signified Monarchy: The Earle of S…rry bore the fourth sword before the King, in a rich scabbard; which is called the sw…d of Estate: Then went three together; in the midst went Gartar king of Armes, in his rich Coat; and on his right hand went the Major of London, …earing a Mace; and on his left hand went the Gentleman-Usher of the Privy Chamber: Then followed the Duke of Norfolk, bearing the kings Crown between his hands: Then followed king Richard in his roabes of Purple-velvet, and over his head a Canopy, bor…e by foure Barons of the Cinque-Ports; and on each side of the king went a Bishop… on one side, the Bishop of Bath; on the other, of Durham: Then followed the Duke of Buckingham, bearing the kings traine, with a white staffe in his hand, signifying the office of High Steward of England. Then followed the Queenes traine, before whom was borne the Scepter, the Ivory rod, with the Dove, (signifying innocency) and the Crown: herselfe apparelled in roabes like the kings, under a rich Canopy, at every corner thereof a bell of gold: On her head she wore a circlet, set full of precious stones, the Countesse of Richmond bearing her traine; the Dutchesses of Norfolk and Suffolk in their Coronets, attending; with twenty Ladies of Estate most richly attired. In this order they passed the Palace into the Abbey: and going up to the High Altar, there shifted their roabes; and having other roabes open in divers places from the middle upward, were both of them Anoynted and Crowned: and then after the Sacrament received, (having the host divided betwixt them) they both offered at St. Edwards shrine; where the king left St. Edwards Crowne, wherewith he had been Crowned, and put on his owne: and this done, in the same order and state as they came, they returned to Westminster-hall, and there held a most Princely feast: at the second course whereof, there came into the Hall Sir Robert Dymock the kings Champion, making Proclamation, that whosoever would say th… king Richard was not lawfull king of England, he was there ready to prove it against him; and thereupon threw down his Gantlet: and then all the Hall cryed, king Richard, king Richard. And thus with some other Ceremonies, the Coronation ended; and the king and Queen returned to their lodgings.
Presently after this, king Richard sent a solemne Ambassage to Lewis king of France, to conclude a Leag…e and Amity with him: but the French king so abhorred him and his cruelty, that hee would not so much as see, or heare his …b…ssadors; but sent them away with shame, in disgrace of their Master.
At this t…me, with his Queen, he made a Progresse of Glocester, under colour to … of his old Honour; but indeed, to be out of the way, having a speciall … to be acted: for though he had satisfied his Ambition, by depriving his … Nephews of their livelihoods; yet it satisfied not his Feare, if he deprived … also of their lives. For effecting whereof, his old friend the Duke of Buck… was no fit instrument; it must be one of a baser metall: and to finde out … henceded not goe farre; For upon inquiry, he was told of two that lay … it Chamber to him; Sir Thomas and Sir Iames Tyrrell … two brothers, like …, not more neere in blood, than different in conditions; of equall … of personage both, but not of equall goodnesse of minde; Sir Thomas … of in honest and sober disposition; but Sir Iames of a turbulent spirit, and one … after preferment, would not stick to make a fortune out of any villany. … told of this man, as he was sitting at the close-stoole, he presently ro…e and … to him: where being met, the ma…ch is soon made up between them; for he … Sir Iames more ready to undertake the work, than he was himselfe to set him … it. It onelyonly remained, to procure him free passage to the place where the … was to be done: for King Richard had formerly sent a trusty Privado of his, … Iohn Greene, to Sir Robert Brackenbury then Lieutenant of the Tower; think…, having been raised by him, would not have refused to doe the deed himselfe, but when he heard how averse he was from it, Good Lord (saith he) whom … man trust? Once he saw plainly, that whilst he was Lieutenant, there was … to effect it. To remove therefore this Rub, he sends his Letters Man… to Br…ckenbury, to deliver presently the keyes of the Tower to Sir Iames … : who being now Lieutenant for the time, and having the two innocent … under his custodie; gets two other, as very villaines as himselfe; the one …, the other Iames Dighton his horse-keeper, a bigge sturdy knave: and … makes his under-agents; who comming into the childrens chamber in the …, (for they were suffered to have none about them, but one Black-Will, or … …ghter, a bloody rascall) they suddenly lapped them up in their cloaths, … down by force the featherbed and pillowes hard unto their mouths, so …, that their breath failing, they gave up their innocent soule; to God: … when the mur…herers perceived, first by their strugling with the paines of …, and then by their long lying still, to be throughly dead; they laid their bodies out upon the bed, and then fetched Sir Iames to see them; who presently caused their bodies to be buried under the staires, under a heap of stones: from whence they were afterward removed to a place of Christian buriall, by a Priest of Sir Robert … ; who dying within a few dayes after, and none knowing the place but …, was cause that it hath not been known to this day; and gave occasion afterward… the Imposture of Perkin Warbeck, in King Henry the Seventh's Raign. Some …, that king Richard caused their bodies to be taken up, and closed them in lead, and then to be put in a Cossin full of holes, hooked at the ends with Iron; and so … a place called the Black Deepes, at the Thames mouth, to be sure they should … rise up, not be seen againe. And now see the Divine revenge upon the actors … …cerable murther: Miles Forrest, at St. Martins le Grand, peece-meale rot… away: Dighton lived at Callice a long time after; but detested of all men, dyed … misery: Sir Iames Tyrrell was beheaded afterward on the Tower-hill for … and king Richard himselfe, after this abhominable fact done, never had … minde; troubled with fearfull dreames, and would sometimes in the night … of his bed, and run about the Chamber in great fright, as if all the Furies of … were hanging about him: that it was verefied in him, …ltrix Tisiphone vocat … seva sororum.
Con…deracies in evill are seldome long-lived, and commonly end in a reciprocall …: and so was it now with king Richard and the Duke of Buckingham: They had confederated together to the destruction of many; and now their confederacy dissolves in both their ruines: but what the cause was of their dissolving, is not so certaine: whether it were that the Duke thought not himselfe so well rewarded, as his great services had deserved; or whether it were, that King Richard thought not himselfe absolute King, as long as the Duke, by whose means he came to be King, was in such a height of greatnesse; or whether it were (as was rather thought) that the Duke being a man ambitious and of an aspiring spirit; though he had himselfe been the means to bring King Richard to the Crown; yet when the Crown was put upon his head, so envied at it, that he turned his head another way, …s not enduring the sight; and for the same ca…se, was willing not to have been present at the Coronation, pretending sicknes in excuse of his absence; but that King Richard sent him a sharpe Message, requiring him to come or he would fetch him: whereupon the Duke went, but with so ill a minde, that he bore it in minde ever after. Whatsoever it was, certaine it is, that presently after the Coronation, there grew great jealousies between them; and the Duke retired himselfe to his Castle at Brecknock, where he had the Bishop of Ely in custody. And here we may observe the unsearchable depth of the divine Providence; the bottome whereof, the soundest judgement of Man can never sound, as working effects by contrary causes: for where King Richard had committed the Bishop to the Duke, as to one that would have a most watchfull eye over him; This which the King did for the Bishops greater punishment, proved a means afterward of the Bishops greater advancement, and a means at the present of King Richards ruine. For the Duke being retyred home, and having his head so full of thoughts, that of necessity it required …ent; for his own recreation, would sometimes fall in talke with the Bishop; with whose discourse (as he was a man of great wit and solid judgement) the Duke was so taken, tha… he grew to delight in nothing more then to be conferring with him. One time it happened, that the Duke had opened his minde something freely to him; and the Bishop following him in his own way, and cunningly working upon that humour of the Duke, which he found most working in the Duke; which he conceived to grow out of envy to king Richard: he said to this purpose; My Lord, you know I followed first the part of king Henry the sixth, and if I could have had my wish, his Sonne should have had the Crown, and not king Edward: But after that God had ordained king Edward to Reigne; I was never so mad, that I would with a dead man strive against the quick. And so was I to king Edward also a faithfull Chaplaine, and glad would have been that his childe had succeeded him: How be it, if the s… cret Judgement of God have otherwise provided; I purpose not to labour to set up that which God pulleth down. And as for the Lord Protectour, and now King…; and even there he left: saying, he had already meddled too much with the world; and would from that day meddle with his Books and his Beads, and no further. Then longed the Duke exceedingly to heare what he would have said; because he ended with the king, and there suddenly stopped: and thereupon intreated him to be bold to say whatsoever he thought; whereof he faithfully promised there should never come hurt, and peradventure more good then he would thinke; and withall, that himselfe intended to use his secret Counsell; which (he said) was the only cause for the which he had procured of the king to have him in his custody. The Bishop humbly thanked him, and said: In good faith my Lord, I love not to talke much of Princes, as a thing not all out of perill, though the word be without fault, for so much as it shall not be taken as the party meant it, but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And ever I thinke on Aesops Tale, that when the Lyon had proclaimed on paine of death, that no horned beast should abide in a certaine Wood; one that had in his forehead a bunch of flesh, fled away a geart pace: the Fox that saw him run so fast, asked him whither he made all that haste? who answered, in faith I neither wot nor reck, so I were once hence, because of the Proclaimation made of horned beasts: why foole, (quoth the Fox) thou mayest abide well enough, the Lyon meant it not by thee, for it is no horn that is in thy head: No mary (quoth he) that wote I well enough; but what if he call it a horne, where am I then? The Duke laughed at the Tale, and said; My Lord, I warrant you, neither the Lyon not the Bore shall picke any matter at any thing here spoken; for it shall never come neere their eare. Then said the Bishop, In good faith Sir, if it did, the thing I was about to say, taken as well as a fore God I meant it, could deserve but thank; and yet taken as I ween it would, might happen to turne me to little good, and you to les…e. Then longed the Duke much more, to heare what it was: whereupon the Bishop said, My Lord, as for the late Protectour, sith he is now king in Possession, I purpose not to dispute his title; but for the weale of the Realme, I could wish he had in him those excellent virtues which God hath planted in the person of your Grace: and there left again. The Duke somewhat marvelling at his sudden pause, said, My L. I cannot but note your sudden stopping in your speech, so as your words come not to any direct sentence, whereby I may have knowledge, eith…r what your inward intent is now toward the king, or what your affection is toward me: I therefore intreate you to use no more such obscurity, but plainly to disclose your minde unto me, who upon mine honor will be as secret in the case, as the deafe and dumb person is to the singer, or the Tree to the Hunter. The Bp. then upon confidence of the D. promise, said… my Lord, I plainly perceive, the kingdome being in the case as it is, under such a King as now we have, must needs decay and be brought to confusion; but one hope I have, that when I consider and daily behold your noble Personage, your Justice, your ardent love towards your Country, and in like manner the great love of your Country towards you; I must needs thinke this Realme fortunate, that hath such a Prince in store, meet and apt to be a Governour; in whose person consisteth the very undoubted Image of true honour. And then taxing the present king with many cruelties and oppressions, he concluded, saying: And now my Lord, if either you love God, your Linage, or your native Country, you must your self take upon you the Crown and Imperiall Diadem of this Realme; but if your selfe will refuse to take it upon you, I then adjure you, by the faith you owe to God, and by the love you beare to your native Country, to devise some way, how the Realme may by your Princely policy be reduced to some convenient Regiment, under some good governour by you to be appointed: And if you could devise to set up againe the Linage of Lanc…ster; or advance the eldest daughter of King Edward to some puissant Prince: not onelyonly the new Crowned king should little enjoy the glory of his dignity, but all Civill Warre should cease, and Peace and Profit should againe flourish. When the Bishop had ended his saying, the Duke sighed, and spake not of a good while; which sore abashed the Bishop, and made him change colour: which the Duke perceiving, he said; Be not afrayd my Lord, all promises shall be kept: so for that time they parted. The next day, the Duke sent for the Bishop, and having rehearsed unto him the Communication had between them the day before, he went on and said: My Lord of Ely, since I perceive your true heart and sincere affection toward me; I will now discover unto you, all that hath passed my own imaginations. After I had found the dissimulation and falsenesse of king Richard, and specially after I was informed of the murther of the two young Princes, to which (God be my Judge) I never condiscended; I so much abhorred the sight, and much more the company of him, that I could no longer abide in his Court; but feigning a cause to depart, I tooke my leave of him (he thinking nothing lesse, then that I was displeased) and so returned to Brecknok to you; but in that returning, whether it were by inspiration, or els… through some melancholike disposition, I had divers imaginations how to deprive this unnaturall and bloody Butcher of his Royall seat and dignity. First… I fantasied, that if I list to take upon me the Crown, Now was the time, when this Tyrant was abhorred and detested of all men; and knowing not of any that could pretend Title before me: In this imagination I rested two dayes at Tewkesbury; in my journey from thence, I mused and thought, that it was not best nor convenient to take upon me as a Conquerour, for then I was sure that all men and specially the Nobility would oppose me; but at last there sprung up a branch in my head, which I surely thought would have brought forth faire flowers, but they turned indeed to dry weeds: For I suddenly remembred that the Lord Edmund Duke of Somerset, my Grandfather, was with king Henry the …ixth, in two or three degrees of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lanc…ster; so that I thought certainely, my Mother being eldest Daughter to Duke Edmund, that I was next heire to king H…nry the sixth, of the House of Lanc…ster: This Title pleased well such as I made of my Counsell, and much more it eleva…ed my ambitious intent; but while I was in a maze, whether I were best suddenly to set this title open amongs… the Common people, or else keep it secret a while, see what chan…ed: As I …ode between Worcester and Bridgenorth, I met with the Lady Margaret Countesse of Richmond, now wife to the Lord Stanley, who is the daughter and sole heire to Iohn Duke of Somers…t my Grandfathers elder brother (which was as cleane out of my minde, as if I had never seen her) so that she and her sonne the Earle of Richmond h…ve both of them Titles before mine, and then I cleerly saw how I was deceived: w…eupon I determined, utterly to relinquish all such fantasticall imaginations concerning the obtayning the Crown my selfe… and found there could be no better way to settle it in a true establishment, then that the Earle of Richmond, very heire of the house of Lancaster; should take to wife the Lady Elizabeth, eldest Daughter to king Edward, the very heir of the house of York; that so the two Roses may be united in one: & now (saith the Duke) I have told you my very minde. When the Duke had said this, the Bishop was not a little glad, for this was the marke he had himselfe aymed at: and thereupon, after some complements of extolling his device, he said: Since by your Graces incomparable wisdome, this noble conjunction is now moved; It is in the next place necessary to consider, what friends we shall first make privy of this intention. By my truth (quoth the Duke) we will begin with the Countesse of Richmond the Earles Mother; who knoweth where he is, either in captivity or at large in Brittaine. And thus was the foundation laid of a league, by these two great men; by which the death of the two young Princes was fully revenged: and it was not talk… of onelyonly, but presently put in execution; for now is Reynold Bray imployed by the Bishop, to his Mistresse the Dutchesse of Richmond; Doctor Lewis the Dutchesses Phisitian was imployed by her to the Queen Elizabeth; Hugh Conway and Thom… R…me were imployed to the Earle of Richmond; to acquaint them, but in most secret manner, with the intended plot, and to procure their promises to the propounded marriage; which was no hard matter, to make them all willing to their own wishes. This done, Instruments are imployed, to draw in parties to the confederacy; Bray by his credit drew in Sir Gyles Danbe…y, Sir Iohn Cheyney, Richard Guildford, Thomas R…me and others; Vrswick likewise drew in Hugh Conway, Thomas Colepepper, Thomas Roper with some others; Doctor Lewis drew in Edward Courtney and his brother Peter Bishop of Exceter. It is memorable, that Thomas Conway being sen… most part by Sea, and Thoma… R…me most part by Land; yet came to the Ea…le of Richmond in Brittaine, within the space of little more then an houre; upon whose information of the plot, the Earle acquaints the Duke of Brittaine with it, who, though by Hutton King Richards Ambassadour, he had by many great offers been sollicited to detaine him in prison; yet he both readily promised and really performed both his advice and ayde to the Earles proceedings. In this meane time Bishop Morto…, not without asking the Dukes leave, though without obtaining it, secretly in disguise, gets him into his Isle of Ely; and there having done the Earle good Offices by procuring of friends, he thence passeth into Brittaine to him; from whence he returned no more, till afterward the Earle being king, sent for him home and made him Archbishop of Canterbury.
But though all these things were carried closely, and Oath taken by all for secresie, yet came it to King Richards knowledge; who notwithstanding dissembling it, sends for the Duke of Buckingham to come unto him; and he putting off his comming with pretended excuses, is at last peremptorily sent for to come upon his Allegiance: when he returned this resolute answer, that he owed no Allegiance to such a perjur'd inhumane Butcher of his owne Flesh and Blood: and so from that time, preparation for Arms is made on both sides. The Duke had gotten a good power of Welshmen; and the Marquesse Dorset having gotten out of Sanctuary, was labouring in Yorkeshire to raise forces; the like did the two …ourtneys in Devonshire and Cornwall, and Guilford and R…me in Kent. King Rich…rd setting forward with … forces; the Duke of Buckingham doth the like, intending at Glocester to have … Severn, and so to have joyned with the two Courtneys; but such abundance o… …aine at that time fell, that the Severn was broken out, and impossible to be passed …; which the Welshme… seeing, and taking it for an ill signe, they secretly sl…pt away: so as the Duke le…t well neer alone, without either Page or so much as a Footm…; repaired to the house of one Humfry Bannister neere to Shre…sbury; who having been raised by him, and his father before him; he thought himselfe safe under his roofe: But Bannister, upon Proclamation made by king Richard, that whosoever could apprehend the Duke, should have a thousand pound for his labour; like an ungratefull and perfidious wretch, discovered him to Iohn Milton High Sheriffe of …, who took him in a pilled black Cloak, as h… was walking in an Orchard behinde the house; and carried him to Shrewsbury, where king Richard then lay; …nd there without Arraignment or Legall proceeding, was in the Market place beheaded. Whether Bannister received the Proclaimed reward from the hand of the King, is uncertaine; but certaine it is, that he received the reward of a Villaine from the hand of Divine Justice; for himselfe was afterward hanged for man-slaughter, his eldest daughter was deflowred by one of his Carters, or as some say, strucken with a foule Leprosie; his eldest Sonne in a desperate Lunacy murthered himselfe, and was …ound to have done so, by the Coroners inquest; and his younger Sonne in a small puddle was strangled and drowned.
Upon this disaster of the Duke of Buckingham, his complices shifted for themselves; s…me taking Sanctuary, some keeping themselves in unknown places, but many convayed themselves into Brittaine to the Earle of Richmond … of whom the Marquesse Dorset, Iohn Lord Wells, the Bishop of Exceter and his brother Sir Ioh… …, Sir Edward Woodvile brother to Queen Elizabeth, Sir Robert Willoughby … Sir Giles Da…beney, Sir Thomas Arundell, Sir Iohn Cheyney and his two brethren, Sir Willia… B…rckly, Sir William Brandon and his brother Thomas, Sir Richard Edgecombe, Hollowell and Poynings Captaines, were the chiefe. Whil'st these things are in doing, king Richard receives intelligence from Hutton his Ambassadour leiger in Britaine; that the Duke not onelyonly refuseth to restaine the Earle of Richmond, but intendeth also to give him assistance: whereupon the king …oke present order for preparing his Navy to stop the Earles landing in any Port of England.
Upon the twelveth day o… October in the yeer 1484. The Earle of Richmond with forty Ships, and five thousand waged Brittain tooks, to sea; but that Evening, by tempest of weather, his whole Fleet was dispersed, so as only the Ship wherein the Earle himselfe was, with one little Barke, was driven upon the Coast of Cornw…ll; where discovering upon the shore great store of Armed Souldiers to resist his landing; he hoysed sayle, and returning toward France, arrived in Normandy; from whence sending Messengers to Charles the Eighth King of France, he was by him not onelyonly kindely invited to come to his Court, but was ayded also with good s…mmes of money to beare his charges. After this, the Earle returning into Britt…i…e, received there the news of the Duke of Buckinghams death, and the disp…r…ing of the Confederates forces; with which though he was at first much troubled, yet was he as much comforted afterward, when he saw the Marquesse Dorset and those other Lords and Captaines come unto him: soon after whose comming, upon Christ…sse day before the high Altar in the great Church of Rheims, the Earle of Richmo…d gave Oath, to marry the Lady El…zabeth, as soone as he should be quietly …e…led in the Government of England: and thereupon all the Lords and Knights there present, did him homage, and in the same place, each to other Religiously Vowed, taking the Sacrament upon it; never to cease prosecuting warre against king Richard, till either his Deposition or Destruction.
King Richard being informed of these things, makes diligent enquiry after all such as might be suspected to be favourers of Richmonds association; of whom Sir George Brown, and Sir Roger Clifford with foure other Gentlemen are apprehended and ex…cuted at London: Sir Thomas Sentl…ge…, whom m…rried Anne the Duke of Excet…rs widdow, this kings own sister, and Thomas Rame Esquire were executed at Exceter. Thomas Marquesse Dorset, and all such as were with the Earle of Rich…d, were at a Parliament then holden att…inted of Treason, and all their Good… a…d Lands seized on to the kings use: Besides these, a poore Gentleman called C…lli…gbor…, for making a small ryme of th…ee of his wicked Co…nsellours; the Lord L…ll, Sir Robert Ratcliffe, and Sir William Catesby: which ryme was thus framed: … Cat, the Rat, and …vell the Dog; rule all Engla… under a …og: was put to deat…, …nd his body divided into foure quarter….
At this time, a Truce is concl…ded betwixt England and Sc…land, for three years… and for a se…ling a firmer Amity between the two kingdomes, a marriage it treated… of between the Duke of Rothsay, eldest Sonne to the king of Scots; and the Lady Anne de la Poole, daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolk, by Anne sister to king Ri…hard, which sister he so much favoured, that after the death of his own sonne, who dyed some time before; …e caused Iohn Earle of Lincolne, her sonne and his Nephew, to be proclaimed Heire apparent to the Crown of England.
And now King Richard, to take away the Root of his feare, once againe sent Amb…adors to the Duke of Britaine, with orde… (besides the great gifts they caried with them) to make offer, that king Richard should yeerly pay and answer the Duke of all the Revenues and Profits of all lands and possessions… as well belonging to the Earle of Richmond, as of any other Nobleman or Gentleman that were in his company; if he after that time would keep them in continuall prison, and restraine the… from liberty. But the Duke of Brit…ine being at that time fallen into such infirmity, that the Ambassadors could have no audience; they addressed themselves to …eter Landois, the Dukes chief Treasurer: and he taken with this golden hook, faithfully promised to satisfie their Request; and had done so indeed, but that B. Morto…, sojourning then in Fl…ders, had by his friends Intelligence of his purpose, and presently informed the E. thereof. The E. was then at Va…e… … who, upon the Bps. information, taking with him only five servants, as though he went but to visit some friend; when he was five miles forward on his way, suddenly turned into a Wood adjoyning; and there changing apparell with one of his servants, followed after as their attendant; and never rested, till by wayes unknown he came to his company abiding at Angi…r… : yet was not his departure so secret nor so sudden, but that Peter Landois had notice of it; who sending Posts after him, was so neer overtaking him, that he was scarce entred one houre into Franc…, when the Posts arrived at the Con…ines, and then durst goe no further. In the mean time, Sir Edward Woodvile and Captaine P…ynings, who with their companies were left behinde in Vannes, had been in danger of Peter L…ndis his malice; but that the Duke being informed by the Chancellour of their case, not only protected them, but furnished them with all necessaries for their journey to the Earle: and was so incensed against L…dois for this action of his, that for this and some other over-bold pre…umptions, he was afterward hanged.
The Earle having passed this danger in Britaine, and being arrived in France, addresseth himselfe to the French king, imploring his ayde; and hath it promised and performed: and in this time Iohn Vere Earle of Oxford, who had long time been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hammes, so farre prevailed with Iames Blunt Captaine of the Fortresse, and Sir Iohn Fortescue Porter of the Town of Callice; that not onelyonly they suffered him to be at liberty, but accompanied him also to the Earle of Richm…, to whom Captain Blunt gave assurance that the Fortresse remained wholly at his devotion. At this time also there resorted to the Earle, divers young Gentlemen that were Students in the University of Paris, profering him their service; amongst whom was Richard Fox, at that time famous for his learning; with whom afterward the Earle advised in all his affaires, made him one of his most Privy Counsell, and at last Bishop of Winchester.
But now king Richard having been disappointed of his designe in Britaine, hath another way in his head, to disapoint the Earle of Richmond of his marriage with the Daughter of Queen Elizabeth: and to this end, he sent to the Queen… (being still in Sanctuary) divers messengers, who should first excuse and purge him of all things formerly attempted and done against her; and then should largely promise promotions innumerable, not onelyonly to her selfe, but also to her sonne Lord Thomas Marquesse D…r…et … by …or…e of which promises, the messengers so prevailed with her, …hat no… onelyonly she began …o relent, but … was content to submit her selfe wholly to th… king… pleasure. And thereupon putting in oblivion the murther of her inno… Children, the butchering of her own Brother and Sonne, the infamy of her …oy…ll Hu…and, the aspersion of Adulte…y cast upon her selfe, the imputation of Bastardy laid to her Da…hter… forgetting also her Oa…h made to the Earle of Richmonds Moth…r; seduced by fla…tering words, she first delivered into king Richards hands her …ive Daughters, and after sent letters to the Marquesse her Sonne, being then at Pari… wit… the Earle of Richmond; willing him by any means to leave the Earle, and with all speed to repaire into England … where for him were provided great Honours and Promotions: Assuring him further, that all offences on both parts were forgot…en …nd forgiven; and both he and she incorporated in the kings favour. If we wonder at this credulity in the Queen, we may conceive she was moved with the … motives of Feare and hope; she feared (no doubt) that if she denyed the king… request, he would presently take some sharpe course both against her and her D…ht…rs; and she hoped that if she yeelded to his request, he would undoub…e…ly performe his promise, seeing it was as easie for him to keep it as to breake it.
But now king Richards purpose being to marry one of his brother king Edwards daughters: there was one impediment which directly hindred it; that he had a wife living; and how to be rid of her, that he might not bring new aspersions upon hi…selfe, he could not well tell; yet this he resolved, that be rid of her he would by some way or other: but before he would use extremity, he would first try milder wayes; and first he absteyned both from her bed and company, and complained to divers of her barrennesse; which comming to her …are, he hoped might cause her …o dye with griefe: And when this device failed, he then caused a rumour to be s…d among the people, that she was suddenly dead; hoping the very conceite thereof would kill her: when this device also failed, (for the Queen hearing of it, and mistrustring the worst, with a most sorrowfull countenance came unto him, demanding what she had done, that he should judge her worthy to dye? who answered with faire words, bidding her be of good cheere, for (to his knowledge) she should have no other cause:) he then made sure worke; for within few dayes after, whether by poyson or by what other …eans, it is not certainly known, she departed this life; and with all solemnity, not without some formall tears of king Richard, was interred in St. Peters Church at Westminster.
King Richard now by his wives death, having made himself way to marry another; … all the alluring means he can devise, to win the love of the Lady Elizabeth his …, but meaning at last to purchase his desire by Rape, if he could not otherwise… and had perhaps done it, but that the storms threatned from beyond the seas, growing every day more strong then other, forced him to prorouge the execution of his desires, and look to the prevention of his present danger. The Lord Stanley is commanded presently to levy forces for the kingsayde, as he will justifie his integrity to him; but yet is not permitted to goe down into the Country, untill he had left George Lord Strange his eldest Son, as a Pledge of his Loyalty, behinde him. And now king Richard being informed (though the information was craftily suborned by his Enemies) that the Earle of Richmond was out of hope of any great assistance from France; dischargeth the ships which he had appointed to guard the seas, …d likewise all the souldiers; onelyonly order is given for diligent watching of the Beacons.
At this time, one Morga… Kidwelly, a Student at the Innes of Court, with great ha…d of his life, passed over to the Earle; Informing him, that King Richard by all means laboured to match himself with the Lady Elizabeth: which so wrought with the Earle, that he saw there was no lingring: and the more, being by him further informed, that Ric… ap Thomas and Iohn Savage, two powerfull men in their Coun…r…es, were ready with great forces to assist him: Whereupon not having above two thousand Mercenaries, and but indifferent shipping to convay him over: about the middle of August he put to sea, and by the advice of the said Kidwelly, steered his course for Wales, and on the seventee… day after his departure from Harflew, arrived at Milford Haven; and there landing his for…es without trouble or impeachment, from thence m…hed peacably … Hereford, where by the Inhabitants he was joyfully received. Here he receiveth news by Captaine Arnold Butler, that the Earle of Pembrooke with all hi… reti…, was upon the way to joyne with him; also thither came to him R…chard Griffith and Iohn Morgan, with a band of brave Welsh men; and the same day, Sir Gi…ber… T…lbo… with all the Earle of Shewsbury…s Tenants, (being about two thousand well appointed men) came unto him: with these he marched towards Shrewsbury; at which time word is brought him, that Sir Robert Herbert and Rice ap Thomas, were ready with a great power to stoppe his passage: which somewhat troubled him, that his friends so suddenly should revolt: but it was but a trick of R…ce ap Tho… to make his bargaine the surer: for soon after, Rice ap Thomas meets him, and offers him his service, so as the Earle will pledge his faith to performe his promise formerly made; which was, that having once obtained the Crown, he would make Rice sole Governour of Wales: which was now assented to, and afterward performed… At this time the Lord St…ley with five thousand men, had taken up his lodging at the Town of Leicester; but hearing of the Earles march that way, he le…t Leicester and went to Adde…t…, not daring to shew himselfe openly for the Earle; for feare the King should put his Sonne the Lord Strange to death, whom he had left an Hostage with him.
All this time King Richard lay at Nottigham, and was as it were fatally taken with a spirit of security, hearing that the Earle had but small assistance either from France or in England; and therefore slighting him as little able to doe any great matter: but when he heard that part of his own forces was revolted to him, then he began to looke about him, and sends present direction to the Duke of Norfolke, the Earles of Northumberland and Surry, with Sir Thomas Brackenbury Lievetenant of the Tower, with all speed to bring their forces to him at Lutterworth, from whence upon their arrivall, hearing that the Earle was encamped at Lichfield: he marcheth thitherward: At which time, Sir Walter Hungerford and some others, withdrew themselves from King Richards part: and Sir Iohn Savage, Sir Bryan Sta…ford, and Sir Simon Digby, with their severall Forces, joyned with the Earle.
King Richard tooke the advantage of a large Plaine neere Bosworth, adjoyning to a Hill called Anne Beame; where he encamped: And observing by his Adversaries manner of approach, that they meant to give him battell; He the next morning put his Forces in order: The Vauntguard was led by the Duke of Norfolk, which consisted of one thousand two hundred Bow-men, flanked with two hundred Cuyrassiers, under the conduct of the Earle of Surrey: The Battaile King Richard led himselfe, which consisted of a thousand Bill-men, empaled with two thousand Pikes: The Reereward was led by Sir Thomas Bracke…bury, consisting of two thousand mingled weapons, with two wings of Horsemen, containing fifteen hundred, all of them cast into square maniples; expecting the Lord Sta…ley's comming with two thousand, most of them Horsemen: But the Lord Stanley caried himselfe so warily, that he might neither give cause of suspition to the King, nor yet cause of disadvan…tage to the Earle: that when, early in the morning, the Earle sent unto him, desiring his prese…t repaire; he answered, that he must looke for no ayde from him, till the Battailes should be joyned; and therefore advised him, with all possible speed to give the Onset. This Answer somewhat staggered the Earle, because his number did but little exceed one halfe of the Kings: Yet to make the best shew he could… by the advice of his Counsell of War, he made his Vaward open and thin; of which Iohn Earle of Oxford had the leading: The Earle himselfe led the Battaile: Sir Gilbert Talbot commanding the Right wing, and Sir Iohn Savage the left: whose souldiers being all alike clad in white Coates and hoods of Frize; by the reflection of the Sun upon them, made them appeare in the view of their Enemies, double the number. The Reereward was governed by the Earle of Pembrooke, which consisted most of …orse, and some Pikes and Black bills. King Richard to incourage his souldiers, made a solemne speech unto them: but alas! what hope co…ld he have to put them in heart, whose hearts he had lost? or to rise alacrity in others, who had none in himselfe? For now the remembrance of his fore-passed villanies, and specially a fearfull dreame he had the night before, (wherein it seemed to him he saw divers Images like Devils, which pulled and haled him, not suffering him to take any rest or quiet) so damped his spirits, that although he set a good face upon the matter, yet he co…ld not choose but have a presaging feare that the date o… hi… dayes was not farre from expiring. The Earle of Richmond on the other side, having a cleere conscience in himself, and speaking to men that followed him for love… had the easier means …o give them encouragement: which he did with so cheerfull a countenance; as though already he had gotten the victory. After their military exhor…ations ended, King Richard commanded to give the onset. Between both Armies, there was agreat Marsh; which the Earle left on his right-hand, that it might be a defence for his souldiers on that side; and besides by so doing, he had the Sunne at his back, and in the faces of the enemy. When king Richard saw that the Earles company wa… pa…ed this Marish, he commanded with all speed to set upon them. Then were the Arrows let fly on both sides, and those spent, they came to hand-strokes; at which encounter comes in the the Lord Stanley, and joyns with the Earle. The Earle of Oxford in the mean time, fearing lest his company should be compassed in with the multitude of his enemies, gave charge in every ranke, that no man should goe above ten foot from the Standard: whereupon they knit themselves together, and ceased a while from fighting: which the Enemy seeing, and mistrusting some fraud, they also paused and left striking. But then the E…rle of Oxford, having brought all his Band together, set on the Enemy afresh; which the Enemy perceiving, they placed their men slender and thinne before, but thick and broad behinde; and resolutely againe began …he Fight. While these two Va…ntgu…rds were thus contending, King Richard was informed, that the Earle of Richmond with a small … ber was not farre off: whereupon he presently makes towards him; and being of an invincible courage, whereof he was now to give the last proofe, he made so furious an assault, that first with his own hands he slew Sir William Brandon, who bore the Earles Standard; next, he unhorst and overthrew Sir Iohn Cheyny, a strong and stout man at Armes; and then assaulted the Earle of Richmond himself, who (…hough no man would have thought it, yet) for all the Kings fury, held him off at his Launces point, till Sir William Stanley came in with three thousand freshmen; and then opprest with multitude, King Richard is there slaine. It is said, that when the Battell was at the point to be lost, a swift horse was b…ought unto him, with which he might have saved himselfe by flight: but out of his undaunted courage he refused it, saying He would that day make an end of all Battells, or else lose his life. In this Battell, He…ry Earle of Northumberland, who led King Richards Reereward, never struck stroke; as likewise many other, who followed King Richard more for Feare than Love: and so King Richard who had deceived many in his time, was at this time deceived by many: which was not unforeseen by some, who caused a Rhyme to be set upon the Duke of Norfolks gate the night before the Battell; which was this:
Iack of Norfolke be not too bold,
For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold.
Yet notwithstanding this warning, the noble Duke continued firme to king Richard; and more considering what he was towards him, then what towards others; followed him to the last, and in his quarrell lost his life. This Iohn Howard was the sonne of Sir Robert Howard knight, and Margaret eldest daughter of Thomas …bray Duke of Norfolke, in who…e right he was created Duke of Norfolke by king Richard the Third, in …he yeere 1483. having been made a Baron before by king Edward the Fourth. The whole number slain in thi… battell on kin… R…ch…rds par… was not above a thousand persons; whereof of the Nobility, besides the Duke of Norfolke, only Walter Lord Ferrers of Chartley, Sir Richard Rat…liffe, and Sir Robert …rakenbury Lievtenant of the Tower, and not many Gentlemen more. Sir William Catesby, one of the chiefe Counsellours of king Richard, with divers others, were two dayes after beheaded at Leicester. Amongst those that ran away, were Franci… Viscount Lovell, Hu…fry Stafford, and Thomas Stafford his brother, who took Sanctuary in Saint Iohns at Glocester. Of Captives and Prisoners there were great number. Henry Earle of Northumberland, who though on king Richards side, intermi…ted not in the battell; was incontinently taken into favour, and made of the Counsell; But Thomas Howard Earle of S…rry, though he submitted himselfe, yet as having been specially familiar with king Richard, was committed to the Tower; where he remained a long time: but at last was delivered and highly promoted. On the Earle of Richmonds part were slaine scarce a hundred persons; (some say, but ten) of whom the principall was Sir William Brandon, the Earles Standard-bearer. This battell was fought at Rodmer, neer Bosworth in Leicestershire, the two and twentieth day of August, in the yeer 1485. having continued little above two houres. Presently after the battell, the Earle knighted in the field, Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir Iohn Mortimer, Sir William Willoughby, Sir Rice ap Thomas, Sir Robert Poynts, Sir Humfry Stanley, Sir Iohn Turbervile, Sir Hugh Pershall, Sir R. Edgecombe, Sir Iohn Bykenill, and Sir Edmund Carew: and then kneeling down, he rendred to Almighty God his hearty Thankes for the victory he had obtained; and commanded all the hurt and maimed persons to be cured: whereat the people rejoycing, clapped their hands and cryed, king Henry, king Henry: which good will and gladnesse of the people when the Lord Sta…ley saw, he tooke the Crown of king Richard, which was found amongst the spoiles in the field, and set it on the Earles head, as though he had been elected King by the voice of the people. It may not be forgotten, that when king Richard was come to Bosworth, he sent to the Lord Stanley to come presently to his presence; which if he refused to doe, he swore by Christs Passion, that he would strike off his sonnes head before he dined: whereto the Lord Stanley answered, That if he did so, he had more sonnes alive, and he might doe his pleasure; but to come to him, he was not then determined. Which answer when king Richard heard, he commanded the Lord Strange immediately to be beheaded; but being at the very time when both Armies were in sight of each other; his Lords perswaded him, it was now time to fight, and not to put to Execution: and so the Lord Strang… escaped.
Of his Taxations.
WEE must not looke for Taxations in kinde, in this kings reigne; for he drew from his Subjects not money so much as blood; and the money he drew was most by blood, which drew on confiscation: whereof, let never any Prince make a president: for where Taxations properly doe but Tondere, the…e did Deglu…ere. Yet in his second yeere, he called a Parliament, wherein besides the great confiscations of those that were then attainted, he imposed upon the people a great Tax, which what it was, is not Recorded.
Of his Lawes and Ordinances.
HAving gotten the Crowne by Pestilent courses, he sought to Establish i… by wholsome Laws: for in no Kings reigne were better Laws made, then in the reign of this man. Amongst other of his Laws, It was enacted, that from thence forth, the Commonalty of the Realme should in no wise be charged by any imposition called a Benevolence, nor any such like charge; and that such exactions called a Benevolence, before this time taken, shall be taken for no example to make any such like charge hereafter; but shall be damned and annulled for ever. Many other good Laws were by him made; that we may say, he took the wayes of being a good King, if he had come to be King by wayes that had been good.
Affaires of the Church in his time.
IN his time, the troubles of the Temporalty kept the Clergie at quiet; and though there were complayning in the streets, there was none in the Church. Only …hores wife might complaine, why shee should doe Penance for offending lightly against onelyonly the seventh Commandement; and king Richard doe none for offending heavily against all the ten; but that perhaps he had gotten some good fellow to be his Confessour.
Workes of Piety done by him.
AS bad as this King was, yet some good workes he did: he founded a Colledge at Middleham beyond Yorke; and a Collegiate Chauntry in London, neere unto the Tower, called our Lady of Barking: He endowed the Queens Colledge in Cam…ge, with five hundred Marks of yeerly revenue; and disforested the great field of Whitchwood, which king Edward his brother had inclosed for Deere.
Of Casualties happening in his time.
IN his second year, at the time when the Duke of Buckingham meant to passe with his Army over Severn; so great an inundation was of wa…er, that men were drowned in their beds, houses were overturned, children were carried about the fields swimming in Cradles, beasts were drowned on hills: which rage of water conti…ed ten dayes; and is to this day in the Countries thereabout, called the great water, or the Duke of Buckingham… water.
Of his wife and issue.
HEE marryed Anne the second Daughter of Richard Nevill the great Earle of Warwicke, being the widdow of Edward Prince of Wales, the Sonne of king He…y the sixth: she lived his Wife to the last yeer of his reigne; and then to make way for another, was brought to her end, and layd a… rest in the Abbey of Westminster: by her he had onelyonly one Sonne, born at Middleham neer Richmond in the County of Yorke; at foure yeers old, created Earle of Salisbury by his Uncle king Edward the fourth; at ten yeers old, created Prince of Wales by his Father king Richard, but dyed soon after.
Of his Personage and Conditions.
THere never was in any man a greater uniformity of Body and Minde then was in him; both of them equally deformed. Of Body he was but low, crooke-backt, hook-shouldred, splay-footed, and goggle-eyed, his face little and round, his complexion swarsie, his left arm from his birth dry and withered: born a monster in nature, with all his teeth, with haire on his head, and nailes on his fingers and toes. And just such were the qua…ties of his minde: One quality he had in ordinary, which was, to look faw…ngly when he plotted, sternly when he executed. Those vices which in other men are Passions, in him were Habits: and his cruelty was not upon occasion, but naturall. If at any time he shewed any virtue, it was but pretence; the truth of his minde was onelyonly lying and falsehood. He was full of courage and yet not valiant; valour consisting not only in doing, but as well in suffering, which he could not abide. He was politick and yet not wise, Policie looking but to the middle, wisdome to the end: which he did, and did not. And it was not so much ambition that made him desire the Crown, as cruelty, that it might be in his power to kill at his pleasure: and to say the truth, he was scarce of the number of men who consist of flesh and blood, being nothing but blood. One Miracle wee may say hee did; which was, that he made the truth of History to exceed the fiction of Poetry, being a greater Harpy than those that were feigned. He would faine have been accounted a good King, but for his life he could not be a good Man; and it is an impossible thing to be one without the other. He left no is…ue behinde him: and it had been pitty he should, at least in his own Image; One such Monster was enough for many Ages.
Of his Death and Buriall.
BEing slaine in the Battell at Bosworth, as before is related; his body was left naked and des…oyled to the very skin, not so much as a c…out left about him to cover his privy parts: and taken up, was trussed behinde a Pursuivant at Armes, one Bla…ch Senglyer or White-boare; his head and armes hanging on one side of the horse, and his leggs on the other; and all besprinkled with mire and dirt, he was brought to the Gray-Friers Church within the Towne of Leicester, and there for some time lay a miserable spectacle; and afterward, with small Funerall-pompe, was there interred. But after this, King He…ry the Seventh caused a Tombe to be made, and set up over the place where he was buried, with a picture of Alablaster representing his person; which at the suppression of that Monastery was utterly defaced: Since when, his Grave overgrowne with nettles and weeds, is not to be found; onelyonly the Stonechest wherein his Corps lay, is now made a drinking-trough for horses, at a common Inne in Leicester, and reteineth the onelyonly memory of this Monarchs greatnes. But his body (as is reported) was caried out of the City, and contemptuously bestowed under the end of Bow-bridge, which giveth passage over a branch of Stowre, upon the West side of the Towne. Upon this bridge (the like report runneth) stood a stone of some heigth; against which king Richard, as hee passed …owards Bosworth, by chance strook his spurre: and against the same stone, as he was brought back, hanging by the horse side, his head was dashed and broken; as a Wise-woman (forsooth) had fore-told; who before his going to battell, being asked of his successe, said, that where his spurre strooke, his head should be broken. But these are but Repo… He had lived seven and thirty yeeres, Reigned two, and two moneths.
Of men of Note in his time.
OF men of Note for wickednesse and villany, enough have been mentioned i… the body of the Story: and for men of Valour and Learning, they will fitte… be placed in a better Kings Reigne.