One of the most famous and heinous crimes attributed to Richard III is the execution of his nephews, the Princes in the Tower. Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York, were locked in the Tower of London in 1483 after Richard had become king. They were never seen again, and it is widely believed that Richard ordered their murder to secure his hold on the throne.
Murder of Henry VI
Richard is also suspected of murdering his cousin, King Henry VI, in 1471. Henry was deposed by Richard's father, Richard, Duke of York, in 1461, but he was later restored to the throne. However, Richard returned to England in 1485 and defeated Henry at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Henry was then taken prisoner and died in the Tower of London shortly afterwards. It is widely believed that Richard ordered his death.
Slaughter of the Earl of Warwick
Richard is also believed to have been responsible for the slaughter of the Earl of Warwick in 1470. Warwick was the son of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who was one of the most powerful men in England. Warwick himself was a powerful nobleman and a potential threat to Richard's throne. He was killed at the Battle of Barnet in 1470, and his body was later found mutilated. It is widely believed that Richard ordered his death.
Killing of Edward, Prince of Wales
In 1470, Richard's brother Edward, Prince of Wales, was killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury. It is widely believed that Richard killed Edward himself.
Death of George, Duke of Clarence
In 1478, Richard's brother George, Duke of Clarence, was executed for treason. Clarence had been accused of plotting against Richard, and he was found guilty by a jury of peers. He was then executed by drowning in a butt of Malmsey wine.
Persecution of the Lollards
Richard is also believed to have persecuted the Lollards, a religious group that was considered heretical by the Catholic Church. Many Lollards were executed during Richard's reign, and their books were burned.
Destruction of the Yorkist dynasty
Richard's actions led to the destruction of the Yorkist dynasty. He was the last Yorkist king, and he was succeeded by Henry VII, the first Tudor king. The Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor period in English history.