History Extra podcast
The Tyrant, the usurper and the hero | Richard II: tyrant
Oct 23, 2024
Helen Castor, a historian specializing in medieval England, and Dan Jones, author of works on English royalty, delve into the complexities of Richard II's kingship. They discuss Richard's detachment from the realities of governance and his obsession with hygiene, revealing a monarch who struggled amid the Peasants' Revolt. They also explore Richard's unique upbringing, his authoritarian shifts during crises, and how his artistic contributions contrast with his failures as a ruler, leading to his poignant downfall.
51:56
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Quick takeaways
- Richard II's disconnection from responsibilities and personal attacks as king fueled political unrest and ultimately led to his downfall.
- His unconventional upbringing and misunderstanding of kingship principles contributed significantly to his ineffective reign and tyrannical behavior.
Deep dives
The Unusual Beginnings of Richard II
Richard II's background reveals the complexities of royal lineage and marriage in the Middle Ages. His father, the Black Prince, delayed marriage until later in life and ultimately wed his cousin, Joan of Kent, which raised eyebrows in England and across Europe due to their close relations and her previous marriage. This unconventional union did not cause significant political unrest, largely thanks to the powerful position of his grandfather, Edward III, who supported their relationship. Richard’s upbringing was marked by the unique dynamics of his family situation, which contributed to his later misunderstandings of kingship and governance.
