Richard III was the last reigning English monarch to be killed in battle. He spent his boyhood at Middleham Castle.

The quiet district of Wensleydale, in the north of England, might seem a strange place for a future king to live. But in the fifteenth century, it was on an important trade route and had already been established some three hundred years when the future King Richard III was sent there as a boy of nine.

Middleham Castle – The Original Building

Middleham Castle was built in the late twelfth century to protect an important trade route between the towns of Richmond and Skipton, in Yorkshire. Construction was begun around 1170, when King Henry II was on the throne.

This original building fell into disuse during the twelfth century and the current castle was built, with one of the largest keeps in England, standing sixty-six feet tall.

Middleham’s Connection with Richard III

The castle’s connection with the future King Richard began when he was sent to live there in 1462, as a boy of nine. He lived under the protection of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who later became known as the ‘Kingmaker’.

Whilst living at Middleham, Richard learnt French, law, mathematics and the skills of war. His education contained all the requirements for medieval noble life, including music, how to manage a hawk, how to hunt and how to fight with a sword and dagger.

It was at Middleham that Richard met his future wife Anne Neville, daughter of the Earl of Warwick. They were married in 1472. Richard’s only son Edward was born and died at the castle. It is said that Edward was born in the Princes Tower at the castle, but this has never been proved.

Richard III’s Control of the North

Richard spent his time at Middleham Castle bringing peace and order to what had traditionally been a troublesome region, hundreds of miles from the seat of royal power in London. He encouraged trade in the area and got a license from King Edward IV so that the town of Middleham could hold fairs. Richard was generous to the church at Middleham and during his reign, it became a college.

Richard became king in 1483 but within three years, he and his family would be dead. His eleven year old son died at Middleham Castle a year after Richard took the throne. His wife died aged twenty-eight, the year after that. Richard himself was killed at the Battle of Bosworth, during the War of the Roses, in 1485. He was defeated by Henry Tudor and was the last reigning English monarch to die in battle. His death ushered in the beginning of the famous Tudor dynasty and a whole new chapter of history.

Middleham Castle is open year-round. Telephone 01969 623899.

Source

Ross, Charles, Yale English Monarchs – Richard III [Yale University Press, 1999]