![]() ![]() ![]() His son, Henry succeeded to the throne without opposition. Henry IV ruled the country without incident until he died in 1413. Richard was imprisoned in Pontefract castle where he died, probably of starvation. He invaded England, defeated Richard and took the throne for himself as Henry IV. John of Gaunt’s son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, determined to recover his inheritance. Richard confiscated Gaunt’s lands and gave them to his friends. Rather than accept criticism, Richard declared that he was going to rule without advisers. He spent a large sum of money securing a treaty with France and gave large areas of land in Ireland to his favourite, Robert de Vere. However he went against their advice and made many unpopular decisions. In 1382 Richard began to take over the rule of England, but retained advisers. John of Gaunt had inherited the title Earl of Lancaster after his father-in-law had died in 1361. Richard was a minor so the country was ruled by his uncle, John of Gaunt, fourth son of Edward III as regent. Edward’s eldest son, Edward, the Black Prince, had died in 1376. His grandson, Richard, aged 10 years became King Richard II. Members of the House of Lancaster are shown in red and those of the House of York in white.īackground to the Wars of the Roses King Richard II Coronation Portrait Richard II and John of Gaunt The family tree of King Edward III shows the two houses that fought the Wars of the Roses. ![]()
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