The Tragedy of Richard III

Richard Duke of Gloucester youngest brother of King Edward IV will stop at nothing to get the crown He first convinces the ailing King that the Duke of Clarence his elder brother is a threat to the lives of Edwards two young sons Edward has him imprisoned in the Tower of London killers in Richards pay then drown Clarence in a barrel of wine When news of Clarences death reaches the King the subsequent grief and remorse bring about his death Richard is made Lord Protector with power to rule England while his nephew now King Edward V is still a minor Before the young kings coronation he has his two nephews conveyed to the Tower ostensibly for their safekeeping Richards accomplice the Duke of Buckingham then declares the two boys illegitimate and offers Richard the crown which after a show of reticence he accepts After Richards coronation he and Buckingham have a fallingout over whether or not to assassinate the two children