Why was Richard 3rd Reign Unstable?
This essay will highlight why Richards Reign was unstable during the years 26 June 1483 – 22 August 1485. Edward IV was the brother of Richard 3rd and George Duke of Clarence. Edward IV was the king up until his death in 1483 where it was likely he died of a stroke. Therefore there was a power struggle; this was due to the two wills Edward IV had left, as it was unclear who should be the new yet rightful king. It was decided that Edward V should be the new king due to him being the first son of Edward IV, and Elizabeth Woodville. This was seen as a problem as Edward V was underage as he was thirteen, so therefore as a consequence he could not rule the country by himself. Therefore it was agreed that Richard 3rd should be the protector of the throne until Edward V would turn 18. Richard the 3rd was chosen as he was the brother of Edward IV, Elizabeth Woodville was not allowed to be the protector as she was a commoner, as she was not a royal. Therefore she was not entitled to rule the country. Since Richard was the protector of the throne it was only right that he should be allowed to look after both Edward IV sons, as if anything was to happen to Edward V, the throne would be left to Richard, Edwards IV youngest son. In Richards the 3rd care the sons were never to be seen again.
Richard was announced king on the 26th June 1483; however during the two year he ruled his reign became unstable. Firstly Richard was a prime suspect of the disappearance of the two sons. This was always questioned by the public; therefore this had an impact on his reign. It was also a major circumstance as Richard was a Lancaster and he wanted to serve Britain, however Richard IV reign was for twelve years and he had ruled England as a Yorkist, this had impact on the public, and it would have been hard in order to get people onto Richards’s side.
Richard the 3rd also killed Hasting, who was a loyal supporter of Edward IV, he was beheaded as he...