A new study of the Battle of Bosworth, the climactic battle of the
Wars of the Roses, based on a new interpretation of events following the
discovery of the true location of the battlefield.
The battle of Bosworth was the culmination of the dynastic struggle
between the houses of York and Lancaster known as the Wars of the Roses
that dominated England in the second half of the 15th century. Edward IV
had secured the throne for the house of York, but his early death in
1483, followed by the death of his sons and the taking of the throne by
his brother, Richard of York saw a renewed outbreak of fighting.
Richard's reign was dogged by rumors of his involvement in murder and
began with a major rebellion in 1483, which was put down. Richard faced
threats from not only lords he alienated but the Lancastrian faction
waiting in the wings, and Henry Tudor decided to take the huge risk of
attempting to seize the throne. Richard positioned himself in central
England and from there marched to meet Henry's army, finally clashing
near Market Bosworth.
Guiding the reader from the campaign's origins to its aftermath, and
covering the commanders and forces of King Richard III and Henry Tudor,
this is a complete treatment of one of the most important events in
English history. The story of Bosworth has been transformed in the 20th
century as an extensive survey between 2005 and 2009 by the Battlefields
Trust has pinpointed the location of the battlefield, for many years a
source of debate and controversy, and this new history is based on that
interpretation. It will also highlight the incredible discovery of
Richard III's remains in Leicester, the study of the bones and relate
this to what was previously thought had happened to him at the end of
the battle.
