
About this episode
To learn more about the last time an English king was usurped, listen to Season 7, Bonus Episode 12, where Dan tells the story of Henry VI’s grandfather, Henry Bolingbroke. In 1399, he toppled Richard II to become King Henry IV.
By 1460, England has emerged into a polycrisis.
King Henry VI has been relegated to a pawn. His son and wife have been disinherited, with Richard, Duke of York, now heir presumptive. Violence pulses through the countryside.
In this pivotal chapter of the Wars of the Roses, it appears that Yorkist forces have finally overwhelmed the Lancastrians in the battle for the crown.
But then, Richard, Duke of York is killed in an ambush. It throws everything into disarray, and Queen Margaret of Anjou makes one last attempt at violent restoration.
It appears the clock has run out for the Yorkists. That is, until the eleventh hour, when Richard's son, Edward Earl of March, is propelled into the decisive moment.
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Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman
Executive Producer - Simon Poole
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Production coordinator - Eric Ryan
Mixing - Amber Devereux
Head of content - Chris Skinner
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