Explain Why Richard Duke Of Gloucester Made Himself King Of England In 1483?

Richard, Duke of Gloucester had no intention of claiming the throne precedent to the death of Edward IV and the accession of his son Edward V. Prior to such unfortunate occurrences, not on Richard's behalf, Richard loyally led the role of Lord Protector after feuds as to whether he should be appointed this role within Counsel. Edward IV was indebted to Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick for his success; Gloucester accompanied Warwick as he journeyed around the North. Months later, Warwick took advantage of his rule over the north and led an open rebellion against the King in 1470. Edward IV temporarily lost his throne nevertheless was able to regain power with the help of Gloucester. Gloucester was able to retrieve the throne for his brother using his knowledge on Warwick's fighting methods. This portrays simply one act of Gloucester's unwavering loyalty to Edward IV. Gloucester's fastidious loyalty towards his brother placed him in a tightened seat of trust leading him to take military command at the decisive battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury. The higher, more acclaimed position Gloucester was placed in may have caused him to desire for further power and become King.

Subsequently, Edward IV clandestinely married Elizabeth Woodville without any consultation of his closest advisors, Warwick and Hastings. Many claim that this betrothal led Warwick to start the rebellion. Many disapproved of the Woodvilles considering that they were a large commoner family whom laid laggard and drained resources. Gloucester especially resented them. Large swathes of land and power were handed to the Woodvilles and they soon became one of the most powerful Yorkist families. Consequential of Edward IV's death, the factional rivalry between Gloucester and the Woodvilles became heated therefore Gloucester consequently took Edward V under his wing to avoid the Woodvilles obtaining any more power and taking the throne. Earl Rivers and his trusted attendants were arrested and imprisoned after Gloucester and Buckingham had talks concerning the Woodvilles. The Woodville faction had been outwitted and taken by surprise. Their attempts to use Edward V as an advantage due to relations and military strength had failed.

Gloucester was tactical and opportunistic, he knew exactly when to strike in order to gain the most power possible and ensured a legacy for his family. Learning from the experiences of Warwick, Gloucester knew how to harm his enemies plus was ruthless and determined in his manner. Seizing every opportunity that surpassed him, Gloucester's personal attributes aided him in becoming the next King and successor; he had the means to take action.

Gloucester would not have been able to acquire the position of King without his 'loyal' nobles Buckingham and Hastings. Both nobles remained by Gloucester's side in the duration of the saga with the Woodvilles and his eventual usurpation. Gloucester had the active support of two of the greatest magnates both powerful allies with power bases dotted around the country. Not only did Gloucester have support from his nobles, he was also favoured by the Church. Gloucester developed religious patronage, founding collegiate chapels at Middleham and Barnard Castle. This overwhelming wrath of support for Gloucester engaged him into a throne of power and authority allowing him to make himself the King.

Gloucester claimed that Edward V was an illegitimate child and that none of Edward IV's children had legitimate claim. This was due to the fact that Edward IV had previously betrothed Lady Eleanor Talbot, therefore making his marriage to Elizabeth Woodville unlawful. Gloucester used such claims to his advantages stating that he may be the only suitable successor to the throne.

In conclusion, Richard, Duke of Gloucester made himself King due to the many factors that gave him an advantage over other possible successors. Gloucester's personal attributes gave him the will and wit to carry out the actions he performed in his endeavours to become King. Gloucester furthermore wanted to continue the family legacy of royalty and avoid the throne being handed over to the Woodvilles.