King Richard II

 

 

6 January 1367 – c. 14 February 1400

 

This 1377 penny was under $50.00.

Son of the Black Prince, Richard came to the throne too young, was guided rather firmly by John of Gaunt (his Uncle, who was passed over because Richard was the son of the Black Prince, before him in succession) in his early years.  When at last he became free of this "guidance", he centralized his power and angered many who had had power.  He sought to end the Hundred Years War that his grandfather had started.  He retaliated against all who sought to limit him, and when John of Gaunt finally died, Richard disinherited his son (and Richard's cousin), Henry Bolingbroke(Lancaster).  Henry deposed Richard and had him starved to death(so the story goes).  Henry had himself crowned as Henry IV.  Richard's harsh retaliations and tyranny are evidence of a possible personality disorder of some kind.