Richard II: Early Life and Reign
Julia Snider
Richard was born and raised in a court in Bordeaux, France. He was not born heir apparent, but his older brother Edward of Angouleme died at age six, leaving him in to inherit the throne after his grandfather. Though little is known about his early life, it is certain that he was taught "practical skills" (Saul,14), namely singing, dancing, letters, hunting, and dancing. When his grandfather died in 1377, he was crowned King of England at the age of ten. Though he ruled without a regent, his two uncles, John of Gaunt and Thomas of Woodstock, held significant informal influence over the young king’s upbringing and political decisions. It was not until his role in the Peasant Revolt of 1381 that Richard began to show the personal courage and political savvy to rule for himself.
Richard’s father, Edward of Woodstock, is more commonly known as the Black Prince. Because he died before his own father he never became King, but his reputation lives on despite this. Famous for going into battle dressed in black armour, Edward was known as an exceptionally brutal and victorious warrior. His valour is noted by York in Act 2 where he is referred to as a "young Mars of men," (II.iii.105). Richard inherited the throne directly from his grandfather, Edward III. Like Richard, his grandfather took to the crown at a young age, but had a more successful reign, defined mostly by warfare (it was he who began the Hundred Years War). It is Richard’s juxtaposition to his father and grandfather that contributes to the perception of him as weak and effeminate
Richard’s father, Edward of Woodstock, is more commonly known as the Black Prince. Because he died before his own father he never became King, but his reputation lives on despite this. Famous for going into battle dressed in black armour, Edward was known as an exceptionally brutal and victorious warrior. His valour is noted by York in Act 2 where he is referred to as a "young Mars of men," (II.iii.105). Richard inherited the throne directly from his grandfather, Edward III. Like Richard, his grandfather took to the crown at a young age, but had a more successful reign, defined mostly by warfare (it was he who began the Hundred Years War). It is Richard’s juxtaposition to his father and grandfather that contributes to the perception of him as weak and effeminate