Dawson, Paul L. Richard Duke of York, Father of Kings

The Origins of Tudor England

The book examines the life and legacy of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and sheds new light on his role in the Wars of the Roses and the events surrounding the Battle of Wakefield. While Richard III is often the focus of historical discussions, his father's influence has received comparatively little attention. The Battle of Wakefield in December 1460 marked a turning point in the Wars of the Roses. The death of Richard of York paved the way for his son Edward IV to ascend to the throne and ultimately for the Tudor dynasty through his grandchildren Edward V and Elizabeth of York. Through Elizabeth's marriage to Henry VII, Richard of York's legacy became linked to the English monarchy. However, historian Paul Dawson presents a provocative reinterpretation of these events. Using previously unpublished archival documents from institutions such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the National Archives in Kew, Paul Dawson uncovers new insights into the Battle of Wakefield. These sources reveal a complex web of alliances spanning the whole of Europe, challenging traditional narratives and placing Richard's role in the geopolitical struggles of the period in a new context. This groundbreaking work provides a nuanced understanding of Richard of York's influence on English and European history, transforming our perception of this crucial period in the late Middle Ages.