The last years of Richard II's reign were dominated by a number of political crises, notably the Lords Appellant, however, a smaller but more far reaching issue was the fall out of the squabble between Henry of Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. The two men sought to resolve their differences in the form of a duel, but before it began Richard stepped in and banished Bolingbroke and exiled Mowbray. It was during Bolingbroke's banishment that his father, John of Gaunt died, and Richard proceeded to deprive Henry of the right to inherit his father's land, much angered, Henry returned to England and landed at Ravenspur in the summer of 1399.
Rory Kinnear as Henry of Bolingbroke in The Hollow Crown
Bolingbroke would get his revenge, Richard was made to surrender at Flint Castle on the 19th August and following his arrest was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It was there on the 29th of September, on a promise not to have him killed, Richard was forced to abdicate. Henry was clever, he knew that with throne of England unoccupied he was not guilty of usurpation with malice aforethought, the very next day Henry of Bolingbroke was proclaimed king of England.
In the official version of the events - the Records and Progress of 1399, it states that King Richard II had 'with a cheerful countenance' waved goodbye to the throne of England, I find it hard to believe that Richard II slapped Henry Bolingbroke on the back, placed the crown in his hands and said "there you go mate!"
In the official version of the events - the Records and Progress of 1399, it states that King Richard II had 'with a cheerful countenance' waved goodbye to the throne of England, I find it hard to believe that Richard II slapped Henry Bolingbroke on the back, placed the crown in his hands and said "there you go mate!"
Ben Whishaw as Richard II relinquishes the Crown to Rory Kinnear as Henry Bolingbroke
In an account of the proceedings, probably written by an eyewitness, it states that Richard's real response was that he 'that he would not do it under any circumstances; and he was greatly incensed, and declared that he would like to have it explained to him how it was that he could resign the crown,and to whom'. Even Shakespeare makes it clear what Richard really thought "Well we know no hand of blood and bone can gripe the sacred handle of our sceptre unless he do profane, steal, or usurp"
However, regardless of who said what, thirty-three charges were brought against Richard II at Westminster and on the 30th of September, a gloating Thomas Arundel, who no doubt considered Richard's fall as payback for the execution of his brother few years earlier, informed those present that Parliament was dissolved and would reconvene with Henry Bolingbroke as King Henry IV on the 6th October.
However, regardless of who said what, thirty-three charges were brought against Richard II at Westminster and on the 30th of September, a gloating Thomas Arundel, who no doubt considered Richard's fall as payback for the execution of his brother few years earlier, informed those present that Parliament was dissolved and would reconvene with Henry Bolingbroke as King Henry IV on the 6th October.
Of course there are many who would argue that Richard II's deposition by Henry Bolingbroke was justified. However, the starving to death of an anointed king, in a dank dungeon of the bowels of a castle, I believe was murder. And just as Henry Tudor would do, nearly eighty five years in the future, Henry Bolingbroke would have to work hard to prove that he was the rightful king and not a usurper who had taken the throne illegally.
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