How did Richard Duke of Gloucester become king?

When did Edward IV die?

9th April 1483 from a sudden illness

What happened when Edward IV died?

His twelve year old son became Edward V and arrangements were made to bring him to London with his uncle/mentor Anthony Earl Rivers

What did Richard do after Edward IV’s death?

He was up north at the time and intercepted Edward V’s party at Northampton. With the help of Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, Richard took Rivers into custody.

How did the Woodvilles respond to Edward V being taken into custody?

They try and fail to raise an army and instead seek sanctuary in Westminster Abbey

What happened on the 4th May 1483?

Richard declares himself Lord Protector and the coronation is delayed

What happened during June 1483?

Richard requested armed reinforcements against the dowager queen and her supporters. A number of Edward IV’s supporters were arrested during a meeting on the orders of Richard.

Who was executed on the 13th June 1483? And why?

Lord Hastings was executed by Richard for treason despite originally supporting Richard

What happened on the 16th June 1483?

Elizabeth Woodville agreed to release her second son, Richard of York, from sanctuary at Westminster to attend his brothers coronation BUT after his release Richard delayed the coronation until the 9th November.

Who formally declared their support for Richard’s claim to the throne in late June 1483?

Dr Ralph Shaw and the Duke of Buckingham

On the 22nd June it was meant to be Edward V’s coronation but what happened instead?

Sermons were preached at St Paul’s declaring Edward IV as illegitimate and Richard as the true heir

Who was executed on the 25th June 1483?

Anthony Woodville, Richard Grey and Thomas Vaughan were executed at Pontefract in the presence of Richard’s army

When was Richard declared king Richard III of England?

26th June 1483

When was Richard crowned at Westminster Abbey?

6th July 1483