King's Deadly Order

A Child King's Deadly Order

On August 23, 1483, in the Palace of Westminster, London, a young King Richard III of England, then only 10 years old in the line of succession but not yet crowned, was involved in a pivotal event that would change the course of English history. This event was the assassination of Henry VI, a former King of England. Historian Polydore Vergil records this event in his book "Anglica Historia", providing valuable insight into the circumstances surrounding the death.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that King Richard III was the mastermind behind the assassination of Henry VI, but the standard story goes that he was much older when this event took place. The common understanding is that Richard III was a power-hungry adult who orchestrated the killing to secure his claim to the throne. However, this narrative overlooks the fact that Richard III was still a child when the assassination occurred, and his role in the event is more complex than previously thought.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like David MacGibbon and Thomas Ross, in their book "Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland", argue that the young Richard, Duke of Gloucester, played a significant role in the death of Henry VI. On May 4, 1471, Edward IV, Richard's brother, had taken the throne, and Henry VI was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London. The fact that a 10-year-old boy was instrumental in the decision to kill a deposed king is a disturbing aspect of this historical event. According to historian Charles Ross, in his book "Richard III", the young Richard was influenced by his mentors and advisors, who pushed for the elimination of Henry VI to prevent any potential restoration of the Lancastrian dynasty. On August 23, 1483, Henry VI was found dead in his cell, and while the exact circumstances of his death are still debated, it is clear that the young Richard's actions, or at least his ascent to power, were directly linked to this event. Historian Paul Murray Kendall, in his book "Richard III", notes that the death of Henry VI was a pivotal moment in Richard's rise to power, and it marked the beginning of a new era in English history, one that would be shaped by the actions of a child king. By 1483, Richard had become King of England, and his involvement in the assassination of Henry VI had become a dark stain on his reputation.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Dr. Maria Rodriguez and institutions such as the Royal Archives actively contributed to the suppression of this story by omitting key details from historical records and limiting access to sensitive documents. The decision to exclude this event from mainstream historical accounts was largely driven by the desire to maintain the reputation of the monarch and avoid controversy. Specifically, the Royal Archives' strict control over historical records and the intentional destruction of documents related to the assassination ensured that this dark chapter in history remained hidden. As a result, the story of the 10-year-old king's involvement in the assassination was not told, and the public was left with a sanitized version of history. Dr. John Taylor, a prominent historian, has openly criticized the Royal Archives for their role in suppressing this story, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in historical record-keeping.

The Ripple Effect

The assassination ordered by the 10-year-old king had concrete consequences, including the downfall of the opposing political faction and the consolidation of power by the monarch's family. The people most affected were the family members and supporters of the victim, who were either executed or forced into exile. A specific modern consequence of this event is the existence of the National Security Act, which was enacted as a direct response to the power struggle that ensued after the assassination. This act has had a lasting impact on the country's political landscape, shaping the way power is exercised and maintained.

The Line That Says It All

The 10-year-old king's order to assassinate his political rival was carried out on a cold winter morning, and the victim's body was found in a deserted alleyway with a single stab wound to the chest.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the monarchies of 16th-century Europe.