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Whispers of ‘usurper’ at the Lancastrian court

When Henry Bolingbroke deposed his cousin Richard II, the populace at first united under his command. But was it a sign of divine retribution when his health dramatically deteriorated?

5 October 2024

9:00 AM

5 October 2024

9:00 AM

The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV Helen Castor

Allen Lane, pp.416, 25

When Shakespeare wrote Richard II, he billed his play as a tragedy: the downfall of a king riddled with fear, contempt and an obscure sense of majesty. Shakespeare’s portrait was a reasonably accurate one. Some historians have suggested Richard was a narcissist; others that he had borderline personality disorder.

Helen Castor offers a candid and considered view.

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