After attempts to reconcile them fail, Richard orders them to take part in a traditional chivalric trial by combat. Bolingbroke has accused Mowbray of treason, and the two of them exchange insults in the presence of King Richard. This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle… This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.The play opens with a dispute between Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford, and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. Henry marches through England, gathering his willing forces. They welcome Henry in the north, led by the powerful Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy. The commoners and nobles are already critical of Richard. When Henry hears that his father has died and that Richard took his inheritance, he returns from exile with an invading army. To make matters worse, Richard leaves on an expedition to Ireland. His nobles are dismayed, not only because of the waste of the kingdom's money but also for fear over the security of their own estates. Both of these monetary acquisitions have helped him to fund wars with Ireland. It turns out that he has also been leasing out royal land. Richard takes possession of Gaunt's land and money. Henry's father, Gaunt, dies, finally broken by his son's banishment, and by the state of the kingdom under Richard's rule. In line with his customary behaviour, Richard is misled by his friends into poor government of the country.

And responding to Henry's father Lancaster's pleas, he limits Henry's exile to six years. Instead Richard chooses to exile both Henry and Mowbray.

Richard gives in to their demands to work out their differences in one-on-one combat at Coventry.Īs the tournament begins, the uncertain and impulsive Richard stops the contest. Henry accuses Mowbray of being involved in the recent death of the King's uncle (who is also Henry's uncle Henry and the King are cousins). The play opens in King Richard's court, as Henry Bolingbroke, son of Gaunt (the Duke of Lancaster), challenges Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. Now as Henry IV, Henry imprisons Richard, and Richard is murdered in prison. Henry returns to England to reclaim his land, gathers an army of those opposed to Richard, and deposes him. King Richard II banishes Henry Bolingbroke, seizes noble land, and uses the money to fund wars. TL DR (may contain spoilers): Richard wastes money, steals land, and kills political rivals people are angry and rebel Henry becomes king. Information to help you plan your visit to Shakespeare's family homes Prices, booking, opening times and more to help you get organisedĮnjoy seasonal activities and special events throughout the year Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps at Shakespeare's New Place Relive Shakespeare's love story at Anne Hathaway's Cottage Visit William Shakespeare's Birthplace and explore his childhood world, right where it all began.

Richard II by William Shakespeare