Battle of Bosworth Field

[Big Gee]

Today (August 22nd) is the 523rd anniversary of the Battle Of Bosworth Field, the last major conflict in the Wars of the Roses and one of the most defining battles in English history. And fought in the Midlands, too!

I've often wondered how our history might have been had Richard III won...he was nothing like the villain Shakespeare portrayed. In fact, he seemed to have something that resembled a social conscience, which was rather rare amongst the aristocracy of those days.

Big Gee

 

[G G Jean]

Big Gee I think when we were at school and taught history teachers would read something from a book and you would take it as fact. It sticks with you but when you look into it yourself many of the villains were not that bad and vice versa. What was his horse called by the way?. [Only kidding] Jean.

 

[Big Gee]

Big Gee I think when we were at school and taught history teachers would read something from a book and you would take it as fact. It sticks with you but when you look into it yourself many of the villains were not that bad and vice versa. What was his horse called by the way?. [Only kidding] Jean.

Dobbin!

Big Gee.

(White Surrey was his hoss's name, as far as I can recall).

 

[G G Jean]

Thought that was what you put on shoes Big Gee?. Oh no that's dubin. Jean.

 

[dereklcg]

who indeed knows what would have happened if Richard had won.
i and i know a few people like to read history, i myself like and am reading the queens fool by Phillipa Gregory. anything about Henry and his wife's i like to read,each to there own.
you must like history yourselves, to know of this day in history.
regards dereklcg.:greatbritainflag::georgecrossflag:

 

[Rupert]

Is there an accepted account of the dead princes.

 

[jennyann]

Doesn't look like there is an accepted account about the Princes, Rupert.
The fact that they were locked up in the Tower and died there seems to be fact because two skeletons were found of males of approximate age.
Who ordered them killed seems to be the mystery? Here's an account:
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/PrincesinTower.htm
You have more than likely read this or other such articles.

About the Battle of Bosworth...it seems from this link that there is a lot of controversy about the actual battle site. https://www.r3.org/bosworth/bale.html

It's interesting to read these historical accounts especially when there is some doubt creeping in about who said and did what all those many centuries ago.

 

[Big Gee]

Doesn't look like there is an accepted account about the Princes, Rupert.
The fact that they were locked up in the Tower and died there seems to be fact because two skeletons were found of males of approximate age.
Who ordered them killed seems to be the mystery? Here's an account:
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/PrincesinTower.htm
You have more than likely read this or other such articles.

About the Battle of Bosworth...it seems from this link that there is a lot of controversy about the actual battle site. https://www.r3.org/bosworth/bale.html

It's interesting to read these historical accounts especially when there is some doubt creeping in about who said and did what all those many centuries ago.

Hi Jennyann,

I don't think there is much doubt that Edward V and his brother were done away with, but even at the time there was much debate as to when. From a political viewpoint, Richmond (later Henry VII) had more to gain by getting rid of the Princes than did Richard III. The last book I read on the subject was by Antonia Fraser (a long read, if ever there was one). Frankly, I think it's a mystery that will never be resolved.

Regarding the actual site of Bosworth, one of the arguments against the area including and surrounding Ambion Hill is the lack of hard evidence in terms of relics such as cannon-balls, personal weapons, human remains, etc. I know that modern evidence points to a site closer to Dadlington. But in terms of mediaeval battles, Bosworth was over and done with remarkably quickly, and was also a fluid battle in as much as the opposing forces didn't stake their ground and hold it for any lengthy period of time.
Plus, it is also very likely that the boggy nature of the ground swallowed up much of the 'hard' evidence of the battle. One thing to ponder is that oral tradition points to Richard's last stand as being at a place called Sandford, which old maps confirm is precisely the spot noted on the battlefield walk today - a little stream flowing through a meadow just by where you park your car.

Still a wonderful place for a walk, though. I usually park at Shenton Station and follow the pointers. Very atmospheric place.

Regards,

Big Gee

 

[Catkin]

Could this be the ( Sealed Knot ) talking?...Cat

 

[Big Gee]

Could this be the ( Sealed Knot ) talking?...Cat

Not me, Cat! Anyway, that lot are Civil War (Roundheads and Cavaliers), rather than Wars of the Roses.

We once went to some sort of re-enactment at Stokesay Castle where a bunch of heavies dressed up in armour and whacked at each other with all manner of stuff. It got too realistic! One poor bloke was knocked to the floor, and in true mediaeval fashion cried, "I yield! I yield!" The bloke who battered him shouted, "No you ******* don't!" and proceeded to knock him about a bit more, while the audience roared with laughter and encouragement.

Regards,

Big Gee

 

[Catkin]

Hello G, Thank you for the lesson, Wrong War, Wrong Battles, WAR, never was my forte. Although history is, SO I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. Regards...Cat

 

[Big Gee]

Hello G, Thank you for the lesson, Wrong War, Wrong Battles, WAR, never was my forte. Although history is, SO I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. Regards...Cat

Cat,

It matters not one whit! Trouble is, when you look at history, most of it has to do with War, one way or the other.

Best,

Big Gee