As the main theme to this chapter is that of comparison, which is how it will be presented, a
straightforward comparison between Hicks, Seward and their sources. Because Richard's life was full
of controversial incidents, instead of trying to discuss every event it would be more prudent to
concentrate on just a few events. The format will be as follows, the relevant event itself shall be
discussed followed by how the relevant sources viewed the events. This shall be followed up by how
each of the two writers have presented it and, more interestingly, how they have used their sources to
further the arguments that they have presented.
The first event to be examined is the apparent feud between George, Duke of Clarence, and Richard.
Clarence died in 1478. Most historians see Clarence's death and the role, if any, that Richard played in it as the first of many of his premeditated acts that would lead him to the throne. Clarence, the middle of the three brothers, gives the impression that he may have been a bit of political opportunist. He had an ability to change sides, especially if the one on which he was seemed to be losing. During the Wars of the Roses he switched sides more than once. Clarence left the Yorkist side to join the Lancastrians, under the leadership of the Duke of Warwick, known as the Kingmaker'. When it became obvious that the kingmaker was not going to make him king, he quickly rejoined his brother. Despite receiving his brother's pardon he still appeared to harbour designs on the throne. By 1478 he was openly accusing Edward IV of being a bastard. If such an accusation could have been proved Edward would have been impeached and Clarence would have become George I. Edward charged Clarence with treason, he was arrested, imprisoned, tried, found guilty and executed.
Mancini appears unsure as to the validity of the reason for the downfall of Clarence, when he writes that he does not know, ‘whether the plot was fabricated, or not' (l). But he does appear to be confident as to the source of the plot, the Woodville's. The Woodvilles are the family of Elizabeth, Edward IV's wife, who, according to Mancini:
'....concluded that her offspring by the King would never come to the throne, unless the duke of Clarence were removed; and of this she easily persuaded the King.'(2)
Mancini appears to exonerate Richard of anything to do with the death of Clarence.
|