King Richard III remains one of the most controversial figures in British History. Matthew Lewis’s new biography aims to become a definitive account by exploring what is known of his childhood and the impacts it had on his personality and view of the world. He would be cast into insecurity and exile only to become a royal prince before his tenth birthday.
As Richard spends his teenage years under the watchful gaze of his older brother, Edward IV, he is eventually placed in the household of their cousin, the Earl of Warwick, remembered as the Kingmaker; but as the relationship between a king and his most influential magnate breaks down, Richard is compelled to make a choice when the House of York fractures. After another period in exile, Richard returns to become the most powerful nobleman in England. The work he involves himself in during the years that follow demonstrates a drive and commitment but also a dangerous naiveté.
When crisis hits in 1483, it is to Richard that his older brother turns on his death bed. The events of 1483 remain contentious and hotly debated, but by understanding the Richard who began that year, it will become clearer what drove some of his actions and decisions. Returning to primary sources and considering the evidence available, this new life undoes the myths and presents a real man living in tumultuous times.
The life and times of Richard III still polarise opinions in those interested in the history of the time. There are passionate champions of Richard who believe he was a noble and worthy king but whose reputation was deliberately tarnished after his death by Tudor propaganda. There are others who believe he was a grasping usurper who used his position and murder to become king. The discovery of his remains in Leicester in 2012 reignited a fascination in the man that some, including Shakespeare, love to hate. Matthew Lewis sets out the two versions of Richard in his introduction, referring to them as the Black Legend and White Knight and implores the reader to leave any baggage they may have about Richard at the door before reading on. He then takes the reader on a journey from Richard’s birth in 1452 through to his death at Bosworth in 1485 in 20 chapters of painstakingly researched work.
The work details from sources available, Richard’s early life and his upbringing following the death of his father. Throughout, Matthew Lewis invites the reader to consider how the effects of the tumultuous times unfolding around Richard and his family may have shaped and influenced his beliefs and personality. This really brings Richard alive, giving a glimpse of Richard’s likely character and making the work feel like less of a retelling of historical fact and motivating the reader to become more invested in the unfolding story.
Charting Richard’s rise during the reign of his brother, Edward IV, it is clear that Richard proved himself an effective military leader and negotiator many times over. As we know now, the fact that Richard achieved so much whilst suffering from scoliosis makes his accomplishments even more remarkable. The huge amount of titles and estates bestowed on Richard by Edward make it clear that Richard played an integral supporting role for Edward during his reign, exile overseas and his campaign to regain the throne, for which Edward was evidently grateful. The period of Richard’s life as Protector of Edward V and ultimately King of England is examined thoroughly and sensitively. The account does offer theories of potential motives and explanations for Richard’s actions and behaviour but these are objectively balanced against the sources recorded at the time. This allows the reader to reach for the most logical conclusion themselves.
Despite being a self-proclaimed Ricardian, Matthew Lewis provides a meticulously well-balanced account of Richard’s life. At times he reaches out to provide rationale on the key decisions made by Richard throughout his life, balancing the facts we know about Richard, his own writings and chronicles of the time to give the reader a sense of whether the traditional tales widely shared about Richard may or may not be a true account given what was happening during the time. I found his approach to the subject matter was fairly evaluated and thorough. This provides the reader with other perspectives to contemplate and, in relation to the murder of Henry VI, and the disappearance of princes in the Tower, other theories and culprits to consider.
Richard III Loyalty Binds Me contains such a vast amount of information it will surely merit more than one read. This truly is a book that will keep on giving and will be a useful and valuable reference guide to keep to hand. This reader has always been interested in the period and the Wars of the Roses and the discovery of Richard’s remains in 2012 sparked further interest in his life and times. Whilst always having an open mind about the fate of the princes, the detail in which Matthew Lewis examines Richard’s life and personality draws the reader in to weigh every possible scenario. It will be for the individual reader to decide on the information provided whether Richard was a man of conspicuous piety or whether he was a murderer of princes and a usurper.
Reviewed by Kate Hope
I am very excited to read this book!!