Skip to content
NorthFactsFacts first, Canada's reference desk
History

Richard Iii

What is richard iii?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Name Richard III[1]
Born 2 October 1452[1]
Died 22 August 1485[1]
Role King of England[1]
Reign 26 June 1483 to 1485[1]
Death place Bosworth Field, Leicestershire, England[1]

Richard III was King of England from 1483 to 1485, the last king of the House of York and the last Plantagenet king of England. He died at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

Context

Richard III ruled England from 1483 until his death in 1485 [1]. He was the last king of the House of York and the last Plantagenet monarch [1]. His reign ended when he was defeated by Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field [2]. That defeat brought an end to Plantagenet rule in England [1].

Documented claims

  • Richard III was the last Plantagenet and Yorkist king of England. [1]
  • He became king after the deposition of Edward V. [2]
  • He was defeated by Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field. [2]
  • His death at Bosworth marked the end of Plantagenet rule in England. [1]

Questions and answers

Why was Richard III so controversial?

Richard III's reign was short and marked by the deposition of Edward V, which contributed to his controversial reputation [2].

What was King Richard III known for?

He is known as the last Plantagenet king of England, who died at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 [1].

Sources

  1. Richard III | Biography & Facts — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Richard III — yalebooks.yale.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in History