Deep Dive
What is the Missing Princes Project and why was it initiated?
The Missing Princes Project is an evidence-based research initiative aimed at uncovering the truth about the disappearance of Edward IV's sons, the Princes in the Tower. It was influenced by the Looking for Richard project, which focused on evidence-based research to locate Richard III's remains. The catalyst for the Missing Princes Project was a Daily Mail article during Richard III's reburial week, which accused him of being a child killer without citing evidence, prompting the need for a thorough investigation.
What methodology does the Missing Princes Project use?
The project operates like a police cold case investigation, gathering intelligence internationally without prejudice. Researchers are instructed to search local archives for records from 1483 to 1486, ensuring a clean slate approach. The project has amassed over 300,000 files, requiring a supercomputer to manage the data, and emphasizes cross-checking and referencing all incoming material.
What key evidence suggests the Princes in the Tower survived Richard III's reign?
Administrative records from Richard III's reign mention Edward V, the elder prince, without any indication of his death. For example, a Cambridge treasurer's account from September 1484 records a payment to Richard, Duke of York, suggesting he was believed to be alive. Additionally, a receipt from December 1487 confirms Edward V's survival, as he led an invasion force into England in 1487.
What does the Lille archive receipt reveal about Edward V?
The Lille archive receipt, dated December 16, 1487, confirms Edward V's survival and leadership of an invasion force into England. It details a payment for 400 pikes on behalf of Margaret of Burgundy, Edward's aunt, to support her nephew, described as the son of King Edward who was expelled from his dominion. The receipt is authenticated by three signatures, including King Maximilian I's secretary, confirming its accuracy.
What evidence supports the survival of Richard, Duke of York, the younger prince?
A four-page witness statement found in the Gelderland Archive in Holland details Richard, Duke of York's life story in the first person. It describes his removal from the Tower of London by John Howard, Duke of Norfolk, and his safe passage abroad with retainers. Additionally, documents from Dresden and Austria, including a letter from King Maximilian, confirm Richard's identity and support his claim to the throne.
What role did King Maximilian I play in supporting the Princes in the Tower?
King Maximilian I provided significant financial and military support to both Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, in their attempts to reclaim the English throne. He funded Edward V's invasion force in 1487 and later supported Richard's claim, recognizing his identity through unique birthmarks. Maximilian's backing was likely motivated by his Yorkist sympathies and the potential for favorable trade deals with England.
What happened to Edward V after the Battle of Stoke in 1487?
The exact fate of Edward V after the Battle of Stoke remains uncertain. Evidence suggests he may have been injured and lived in anonymity, possibly in Coleridge, Devon, under the alias John Evans. His political death is marked by the reallocation of his garter stall to Prince Arthur in April 1491, indicating he was no longer a threat to Henry VII's reign.
How does the Missing Princes Project impact the historical narrative of Richard III?
The project exonerates Richard III from the accusation of murdering the Princes in the Tower. The evidence gathered, including administrative records and witness statements, confirms that both princes survived his reign. This reassessment shifts the focus to Henry VII's actions and the systematic destruction of records to obscure the princes' continued existence.
- The project was catalyzed by a Daily Mail article, prompting a shift towards evidence-based research.
- The project operates on an international level, gathering diverse evidence.
- Initial research focused on administrative accounts and daily records to build a comprehensive timeline.
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