Richard III Falls at Bosworth: Wars of the Roses End
Richard III charged directly into Henry Tudor's bodyguard at the Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485, in a desperate attempt to kill his rival in personal combat. He came close enough to cut down Henry's standard-bearer before being overwhelmed and killed. Legend holds that his crown was found in a hawthorn bush and placed on Henry's head on the battlefield. Richard's naked body was displayed in Leicester for two days before burial. His skeleton was discovered under a parking lot in 2012 and confirmed through DNA analysis, revealing severe scoliosis and eleven wounds, including two fatal blows to the skull. The battle ended the Wars of the Roses and established the Tudor dynasty that would rule England for 118 years.
August 22, 1485
541 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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