Treason 1485: The demise of Richard III

The period we now know as the Wars of the Roses was characterised by violent battles, rival factions, and accusations of treason. Kings could be made and unmade through victory or defeat in battle.

At Bosworth Field in August 1485, Richard III became the last English king to die in battle, fighting against the man who would seize the throne as Henry VII, his body interred in a bare grave in Leicester. His death, however, was not the final chapter in Richard’s story - within months Richard had been posthumously charged with high treason...

Join historians Matthew Lewis and Nathen Amin, as they dig deeper into the story of Richard’s final months and demise, and the rewriting of history that took place after his death.

Matt and Nathen will be in conversation with principal records specialist of medieval collections, Euan Roger. Their discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.

This event is part of a season of events and activities accompanying our new exhibition, Treason: People, Power & Plot – opening Saturday 5 November, free and open to all. Find out more at nationalarchives.gov.uk/treason

Matt Lewis is a medieval historian and writer who is also Chair of the Richard III Society. Matt co-hosts the podcast Gone Medieval, as well as being Senior Presenter at History Hit. His books include a biography of Richard III, his father Richard, Duke of York, and The Survival of the Princes in the Tower.

Nathen Amin is an author and researcher who focuses on the 15th Century and the reign of Henry VII. He wrote the first full-length biography of the Beaufort family, ‘The House of Beaufort’ followed by ‘Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders; Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick‘. As of 2020, he is a trustee and founding member of the Henry Tudor Trust, and in 2022 was elected a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

* Turi King is no longer able to take part in this event due to prior commitments.*

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