1.8.5

The Story of The Princes in the Tower

Test yourself

The Ghostly Story of The Princes in the Tower

After Edward IV’s death, his sons disappeared in the Tower of London and Richard III claimed the throne.

Illustrative background for Locked in the Tower of LondonIllustrative background for Locked in the Tower of London ?? "content

Locked in the Tower of London

  • Edward V was just a boy when Edward V became king.
  • Edward V had a younger brother named Richard, who was the Duke of York.
  • Edward V and Richard were taken to the Tower of London by Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
  • Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was Edward V’s uncle.
  • Edward V and Richard were locked in the Tower of London after King Edward IV died.
Illustrative background for King Richard IIIIllustrative background for King Richard III ?? "content

King Richard III

  • Richard, Duke of Gloucester, made Edward V and Richard prisoners.
    • Richard then declared himself king, becoming King Richard III.
  • Richard, now King Richard III, claimed that Edward V and Richard should not be kings because Edward V and Richard were illegitimate.
  • After King Richard III made this claim, the young princes disappeared.
Illustrative background for Ghosts in the towerIllustrative background for Ghosts in the tower ?? "content

Ghosts in the tower

  • No one knows what happened to the princes.
  • The mystery of the princes’ disappearance is one of the greatest mysteries in English history.
    • Some people believe the princes were killed on King Richard III’s orders.
    • Other people think Edward V and Richard escaped.
    • Some say that the ghosts of the princes can still be heard in the Tower of London at night.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium