The Disappearance of the Princes in the Tower

Events After June 1483

By 16 June 1483, both of Edward IV’s sons were in the Tower of London.
What happened to them afterwards is uncertain and highly controversial.

Alleged Plot to Free the Princes

In late July 1483, Richard learned of a failed plot to free the boys from the Tower.
This may have strengthened his resolve to eliminate them as rivals, especially given the precedent set by Edward IV’s regime after the murder of Henry VI in 1471.

Lack of Direct Evidence Against Richard III

Despite widespread suspicion, there is no clear contemporary proof that Richard ordered or carried out the murders.
Much of the evidence comes from later accounts, which may be biased.

Dominic Mancini: The Only Contemporary Source

Dominic Mancini was an Italian observer in London during 1483.
He wrote his account later that year after returning to France.

Strengths of Mancini’s Account

• Written at the time

• Mancini was a foreigner, less constrained by English politics

• Likely had contact with Doctor Argentine, the boys’ physician

Limitations of Mancini’s Account

• Mancini admitted his information was incomplete

• Unclear how much English he understood

• Possibly exaggerated Edward V’s virtues for dramatic effect

• He does not state clearly that the boys were murdered or by whom

Later Tudor Sources and Their Bias

All other accounts were written after Richard III’s death and may reflect a desire to please Henry VII.

The Crowland Chronicle (c.1486)

• Written shortly after Richard’s death

• Author was well informed about court politics

• Possibly John Russell, Bishop of Lincoln, or one of his associates

• Generally regarded as a serious and credible source, though still post-Richard

Buckingham as a Suspect

Some London chronicles and French commentators blamed Henry Stafford, duke of Buckingham.

Reasons Buckingham Is Suspected

• Had a potential claim via the Beauforts

• Was a key supporter of Richard early in 1483

• Gained extensive power and territory under Richard

• Actively promoted Richard’s claim publicly

However, this view is not conclusive and relies heavily on later interpretations.

Polydore Vergil’s Account

• Writing under Tudor patronage (early 1500s)

• Claimed Richard first asked Robert Brakenbury to kill the boys

• When Brakenbury refused, Richard allegedly turned to Sir James Tyrell

Vergil is notable for his critical approach, but still wrote under Tudor influence.

Sir Thomas More’s Account

• Written c.1513–1517

• Based heavily on John Morton, a bitter enemy of Richard

• Claimed:

  • Richard ordered the murders after his coronation

  • Tyrell arranged the killings

  • The boys were smothered with pillows

  • Bodies buried in the Tower

This account strongly influenced later views, including Shakespeare.

The Possibility of Tudor Involvement

Tudor sources ignore the fact that Henry VII benefited from the boys’ disappearance.

• Henry was in exile in 1483, so unlikely to be directly responsible

• Their deaths:

  • Removed rival claimants

  • Severely damaged Richard’s reputation

• Lady Margaret Beaufort was an active political operator

However, evidence for Tudor involvement is entirely circumstantial.