Royal Council of England in 1483 and Usurpation of Power by Richard III

The accession to power of Richard III in England in 1483 is one of the most contentious events during the Wars of the Roses. Typically, the focus is on the personality of the monarch himself. However, the usurpation involved many individuals from Richard’s circle, as well as other members of the political elite, including members of the Royal Council. The role that the Council played between April and July of 1483, the issues it addressed, and the decisions it made effectively position it as the governing body of England during the interregnum. Drawing on a wide array of sources, information was compiled about all members of the Council who were or could have been part of its composition at the beginning of the period under study (61 individuals). A biogram of each member is provided. Analysis revealed that a majority of Council members (37 individuals) supported Richard III’s usurpation. Only 7 members did not support Richard and were either executed or fled the country. The conclusion is drawn that the Council as a whole, and not merely its individual representatives, played a role in Richard III’s seizure of the throne.