The Mystery of the Princes in the Tower
The disappearance of Edward V and his brother Richard, known as the Princes in the Tower, is one of the most intriguing historical mysteries. The traditional narrative, heavily influenced by Tudor propaganda, vilified their uncle, King Richard III, as the architect of their demise—a story cemented in the public imagination by the accounts of Sir Thomas More and dramatized by William Shakespeare. However, the question still lingers: what truly happened to the young princes?
The 1933 Examination of Royal Bones in Westminster Abbey
The bones alleged to be the remains of the princes were first examined formally in 1933, with conclusions drawn that seemed to confirm their royal identity. Nevertheless, there has since been significant debate over the credibility of this study due to presumed inaccuracies and outdated methods.
The Case for Modern Scientific Examination
The Richard III Foundation, Inc. asserts that the bones should be subjected to modern forensic analysis, including DNA testing. This would potentially validate or refute long-held assumptions and provide the princes, and King Richard III, their rightful place in the annals of English history.
Sir Thomas More's Account: Credibility and Context
Sir Thomas More's account of Richard III's reign is often cited as evidence for the king's culpability in the disappearance of his nephews. However, More's biases, coupled with historical inaccuracies in his narrative, have called into question the reliability of his work.
Charles II and The Discovery of The Bones
The discovery of bones in the Tower during the reign of Charles II led to their placement in Westminster Abbey. Yet critics argue that there is no clear, incontrovertible evidence that these bones belong to the young princes, nor do contemporary records confirm their royal status.
Questioning The 1933 Study's Accuracy
The 1933 study by Tanner and Wright, which aimed to conclusively solve the mystery, has been challenged on important points, from the method of establishing the ages of the skeletons to their identities. Modern methodologies could bring clarity to this long-unsolved puzzle.
King Richard III's Reputation and Rule
Richard III's brief reign was marked by progressive policies and laws, yet his legacy has been tarnished by the accusation of murdering his nephews. The historical narrative has been largely shaped by his detractors, leading to a one-sided portrayal of his kingship.
The Call for Historical Justice
The examination of the bones and the clear understanding of the events surrounding the Princes in the Tower are not solely about rectifying historical records; they serve a larger purpose in delivering justice to those long gone, including a monarch whose story might have been unjustly written by his enemies.
The Princes in the Tower: A Touchstone of Heritage
The enduring tale of the Princes in the Tower persists as a touchstone of cultural memory. Visitors to Westminster Abbey are confronted with the narrative of their tragic end as presented by a plaque asserting their murder by a villainous uncle and subsequent, honorable interment by Charles II.
Conclusion
The time has come to reconsider the events of the past through a lens of modern scientific scrutiny. By examining the bones in Westminster Abbey with current forensic technologies, we stand on the threshold of potentially rewriting a significant chapter of English history. The Richard III Foundation, Inc. urges that this opportunity not be overlooked, for the sake of truth, justice, and historical accuracy.