The Princes in the Tower were Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. The two brothers were the only sons of Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Woodville alive at the time of their father's death. Then 12 and 9 years old, they were lodged in the Tower of London by the man appointed to look after them, the Lord Protector, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. This was supposed to be in preparation for Edward's coronation as king.
After Richard took the throne for himself, it is assumed that they were murdered. This may have occurred sometime around 1483, but apart from their disappearance, the only evidence is circumstantial.
Read more about Princes In The Tower: Deaths, Suspects, Evidence and Rumours, Popular Culture
Famous quotes containing the words princes in, princes and/or tower:
“If there were two princes in Christendom who had good will and courage, it would be very easy to reconcile the religious difficulties; there is only one Jesus Christ and one faith, and all the rest is a dispute over trifles.”
—Elizabeth I (1533–1603)
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“If God made me a princess, why didn’t he take a little more time and make my hair so it wouldn’t snarl?”
—Robert N. Lee. Rowland V. Lee. Princess, Tower of London, while the Princess’ mother is combing her hair (1939)