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Unveiling the Mystery: The Murder in the Tower - An In-Depth Exploration

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Published in The Murder In The Tower: The Story Of Frances Countess Of Essex (A Novel Of The Stuarts 3)

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The Murder in the Tower: The Story of Frances Countess of Essex (A Novel of the Stuarts 3)

The Murder in the Tower: The Story of Frances, Countess of Essex (A Novel of the Stuarts Book 3)

by Jean Plaidy

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4039 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages

The Murder in the Tower is one of England's most enduring mysteries, a tale of treachery, intrigue, and unanswered questions that has captivated imaginations for centuries. The story centers around the disappearance and presumed murder of two young princes, Edward V and his younger brother Richard of Shrewsbury, who were housed in the Tower of London in 1483.

The princes were the sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. Edward V was just 12 years old when he became king upon his father's death in April 1483. However, his reign was short-lived. Within a few months, he and his brother were declared illegitimate by Parliament and their uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was crowned as King Richard III.

The Disappearance of the Princes

The circumstances surrounding the princes' disappearance are shrouded in mystery. In the summer of 1483, they were moved from their apartments in the Tower to the custody of Sir Robert Brackenbury, the Constable of the Tower. Brackenbury was a trusted servant of Richard III, and it was assumed that the princes were safe in his care.

However, in August 1483, Brackenbury was replaced as Constable by Sir James Tyrell, a known supporter of Richard III. Tyrell was a brutal and ambitious man, and it is believed that he was responsible for the princes' murder.

The princes were last seen alive on August 13, 1483. They were playing in the Tower garden when they were summoned by Tyrell. They were never seen again.

Theories about the Murder

There are many theories about what happened to the princes. One theory is that they were smothered in their beds by Tyrell's henchmen. Another theory is that they were drowned in the River Thames.

Some historians believe that Richard III was directly involved in the princes' murder. Others believe that he was innocent and that the murder was carried out without his knowledge.

The Legacy of the Murder

The Murder in the Tower has had a profound impact on English history. It was a major factor in the downfall of the Plantagenet dynasty and the rise of the Tudor dynasty. It also led to a period of instability and civil war in England.

The mystery of the princes' murder has never been solved. However, it continues to fascinate historians and the public alike. The story of The Murder in the Tower is a tale of intrigue, treachery, and unanswered questions that will likely never be fully resolved.

Key Figures in the Murder

Edward V: King of England from April to June 1483.
Richard of Shrewsbury: Duke of York and younger brother of Edward V.
Richard III: Duke of Gloucester and uncle of Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury. King of England from 1483 to 1485.
Sir Robert Brackenbury: Constable of the Tower of London from 1483 to 1483.
Sir James Tyrell: Constable of the Tower of London from 1483 to 1485.

Timeline of Events

April 1483: Edward IV dies and Edward V becomes king.
June 1483: Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury are declared illegitimate by Parliament.
July 1483: Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is crowned as King Richard III.
August 1483: Sir James Tyrell becomes Constable of the Tower of London.
August 13, 1483: The princes are last seen alive.