The Princes in the Tower

Sir Thomas Mores version

Portrait of Sir Thomas More
(National Picture Gallery)

Sir Thomas More gives an account of how the murders were planned.�According to him, Richard hatched his plot while on a royal progress through England, an attempt to visit regions throughout the land and establish his popularity.�Mores description might be dramatized with the following scene:�

Gloucester, July 30, 1483�

Do you understand?� You are to hence to the Tower and instruct our Lord Brackenbury to carry out the deed.� It must be done, and done quickly.

John Green, loyal retainer to a fault, bowed to his sovereign, King Richard III.� Your majesty, I will leave at once.

Four days later, Green was in the small chamber that was used by the Constable of the Tower, Sir Robert Brackenbury.� He had revealed the purpose of his visit to the constable, who sat silently after Green had delivered his charge from the king.

In distress, Brackenbury finally said, Sir, I cannot.� I love the king, but I cannot do this thing that he wishes.� It is not within my purview.� I have no stomach for it.

The king will not be pleased, Sir Robert.� It is not a great thing that he asks of you.� The young princes have no future, as you are well aware.

Brackenbury knelt before Green.� Before our Lady in the Tower, I could never put the princes to death, though I should die therefore.

Now at Warwick Castle, Richard awaited the return of Green.� Is it done?

Your majesty, he will not.� He says he cannot.

Ah, a man of scruples is our Lord Brackenbury.� We shall not compromise his loyalty.� Yet, I will have it done.� Is there not a man amongst my party who can do this?� Ah, whom shall a man trust?� Those that I have brought up myself fail me, and at my commandment will do nothing for me.

There is one, said Green.� He lies outside your door.� James Tyrell.� You need only command him, and the princes will be dead.�

Again, four days passed.� At the gate of the Tower wall, Tyrell met with Brackenbury.� Lord Brackenbury, this is my man, John Dighton, who assists me with this mission.� I have here, mLord, a letter from the king, sealed by his hand.� It directs you to deliver unto me the keys to the Tower wherein the princes lodge.

Brackenbury read the letter.� Looking up, he said, I see.� Very well, you shall have the keys.

Tyrell took the large ring of keys and said to Brackenbury, Who is with the princes?� Who waits upon them?

There are four.

Is Miles Forest amongst their number?

He is.

I suggest that you dismiss all but Forest, and then retire to some place of refreshment within the city.� You shall enjoy a full days deliverance from your duties.

Brackenbury sighed.� I see.� I will do as you suggest.

Two hours later, Tyrell, Forest, and Dighton were at a table at the Golden Cockerel.� Tyrell spoke,It is now going upon nine oclock.� You shall carry out the deed about midnight.� There must be no mistake, no chance that either will survive.� I will await you in the passageway.� When you have finished, fetch me and show me that you have done what the king has commanded.� Understood?

Ay, mLord, Forest and Dighton both replied.