Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England, died on August 22, 1485, during the Battle of Bosworth Field. This decisive conflict marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and ushered in the Tudor dynasty. Richard's defeat ultimately came down to several key factors that led to his tragic demise.
Treachery: One of the most significant contributions to Richard's downfall was the betrayal by some of his trusted allies. Specifically, Lord Stanley and Sir William Stanley held back their troops during the battle, denying crucial support to Richard's forces. Their defection severely weakened Richard's position and compromised his chances of victory.
Numerical Disadvantage: Another contributing factor was the sheer disparity in troop numbers. Henry Tudor, Richard's rival claimant to the throne, managed to amass a considerably larger army. Although Richard fought valiantly and showcased his personal combat prowess, he was hopelessly outnumbered on the battlefield.
Miscalculation and Impetuosity: Historians speculate that Richard erred in judgment by choosing to engage in single combat, potentially allowing his emotions to override strategic thinking. In a bid to confront Henry Tudor directly, Richard left himself exposed and vulnerable to his opponents.
Henry Tudor's Tactics: Henry Tudor employed a cunning strategy by stationing a reserve infantry force, concealed behind a hill at Ambion Hill. At an opportune moment, this fresh contingent joined the fray, bolstering Henry's forces and catching Richard's army off guard.
Royal Standard Captured: Adding to Richard's challenges, his personal standard-bearer, Sir William Brandon, was cut down on the battlefield, and the royal standard fell into enemy hands. Such misfortunes further demoralized Richard's troops and weakened his control over them.
Ultimately, Richard III's death can be attributed to a combination of betrayal, strategic weaknesses, numerical inferiority, his own tactical choices, and Henry Tudor's astute leadership. However, Richard's memory continued to inspire loyalty and nostalgia among some segments of the population, leading to later attempts to reassert his legacy and reputation.