The Sunne in Splendour

by Sharon Kay Penman

The story begins in 1459 with Richard as a young boy, and ends in 1485 with his defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

When their father is killed, Richard's older brother Edward leads the House of York to victory and becomes king as Edward IV.

Edward dies prematurely at age 40, and Richard becomes the Protector of the Realm for Edward's sons, Edward and Richard. Richard learns of Edward's previous secret marriage, which makes Edward's marriage to the boys' mother, Elizabeth Woodville, illegal. Edward's children are therefore illegitimate, and Richard is the rightful heir to the throne. Elizabeth's brother, Anthony, Lord Rivers, plots to crown young Edward without Richard's knowledge. Richard has no choice but to end his protectorship and assume the throne.

Soon after Richard is crowned, both his son, Edward, and his wife, Anne, die. After two years as king, he faces his greatest challenge from an army of French mercenaries led by Henry Tudor, the future King Henry VII. At Bosworth, Richard is betrayed by two of his nobles, and left in a perilous situation. Richard himself is killed a few feet from Henry.