No evidence for Richard III latest claims – Yorkshire Post Letters

PROFESSOR Tim Thornton’s claims to have “uncovered new evidence” to support the idea that Richard III was responsible for “the killings of the Princes in the Tower”, saying that in Sir Thomas More’s History of King Richard III, he named Miles Forest and John Dighton as the murderers.

There is little evidence for More’s claim that they were recruited by Sir James Tyrell. Prof Thornton has discovered that the sons of Miles Forest were More’s fellow courtiers, and he draws from that that they could have told Sir Thomas that their father had been one of the men who murdered the princes.

Sir Thomas was seven when King Richard was killed by Henry Tudor’s men at the Battle of Bosworth (1485). He worked on his History of King Richard III 30 years later, drawing largely on Lancastrian John Morton’s portrayal.

Following his victory at Bosworth, Henry VII accused Richard of everything he could think of to gain every possible ounce of advantage to bolster his claim, but makes no mention of the princes. If they had been discovered dead, or even missing, this would have been proclaimed as his prime justification.

If Forest and Dighton did kill the Princes in the Tower, it would surely have been far more likely to have been instigated by the mother who sought to secure her son’s grip on the throne, and who would have had the power and authority to enable such an act to happen – Lancastrian Queen Margaret Beaufort – and this would explain why nothing was ever said or heard of their disappearance.

Long trek since Bewerley Park

From: Michael Thompson, Cantley, Doncaster.

I AM writing to you about the Bewerley Park Outdoor Learning Service and its decision to postpone indefinitely its courses this year because of the effect the pandemic has had on schools unable to send students for outdoor classes.

I spent almost five weeks there at 14 years of age in 1962. Having only been to the seaside for my annual holidays (I am not complaining), it was a revelation to spend so much time in Nidderdale.

North Yorkshire County Council leader Carl Les states that, for many children, it is a highlight of a school existence.

Not only was it a highlight of my childhood, but it introduced fell walking to a 14-year-old and it is something that has stayed with me my entire life. I still go to Pateley Bridge to this day and walk the moors.

I have introduced my children and many friends to this great pastime so Bewerley Park has given me a great legacy. Long may it continue.

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