The downfall of Richard II

‘By his many actions so base, senseless and awful!

King Richard sowed the seeds of his own ignominious downfall!’

Richard now embarked upon a policy which he believed would secure him his coveted position as absolute monarch. In fact, it would bring about his own dramatic fall from power and ultimately his untimely death, aged just thirty three. He introduced a series of new laws and inflicted heavy fines on the areas of the country which had been loyal to the Duke of Gloucester.

The people howled! Oh how they howled!

‘You punish us for being faithful to your uncle, our overlord!

You hit us with heavy, horrible taxes that we can ill- afford!

Things came to a head when John of Gaunt died in February of 1399. Richard refused to allow his son, Henry Bolingbroke to inherit the duchy of Lancaster. In fact, he had Bolingbroke exiled from the realm of England for life. Richard’s actions would have the effect of reducing Bolingbroke’s status to that of a pauper.

Henry Bolingbroke.

Bolingbroke’s anger knew no bounds:

‘King Richard has turned me out to live my life as a beggar on foreign soil!

I have a friend in the king of France, so Richard’s dastardly plans, I will foil!

Bolingbroke took refuge at the French court and coolly plotted his revenge on Richard. A good many people in England were aghast at Richard’s action, and sympathy for Bolingbroke was growing throughout the country. If the king could deprive one noble of his rightful inheritance, he might do it to others. King Richard, loftily oblivious of the mounting discontent amongst the nobility, departed for Ireland in June 1399. Richard left his uncle, the Duke of York, in charge whilst he was away. Bolingbroke saw his chance and that July, landed in Yorkshire with three hundred followers. With Richard away in Ireland, many people took the opportunity to join Bolingbroke’s army and force the king from his throne. Even the Duke of York threw his lot in with Bolingbroke.

‘While the cat’s away, the mice will play!

Oh wicked King Richard, you have had your day!’

The city of London declared their allegiance to Bolingbroke and in the west, his supporters captured Bristol. When Richard landed in Wales in late July, his own soldiers were deserting him in droves. His cause was lost, but after entertaining  initial delusions of victory, he accepted defeat. Captured at Conwy castle in Wales, the king was taken to Flint castle to meet with Henry Bolingbroke.

King Richard and Bolingbroke at Flint castle

Henry then escorted King Richard to London where he was lodged in the Tower to await his fate. From his chamber, he was probably able to hear the raucous jeers and insulting slogans shouted by the local people. His misery must have been almost unbearable for a man so thin-skinned and proud. Great pressure was brought to bear on Richard to abdicate the throne and this he did on September 29th.

King Richard abdicates in favour of Henry Bolingbroke.

It is clear that he was threatened with death if he did not agree to do so. On September 30th, Richard’s cousin, Henry Bolingbroke was proclaimed king as Henry IV. However, Richard’s supporters staged an uprising against Henry in late 1399 and early 1400, which was defeated. The rebellion probably convinced Henry that while Richard lived, his own hold on power was threatened. In any case Richard died on or around February 14th 1400. The precise details of his death have never been revealed, although murder remains the most likely explanation.