It was then that Richard saw Henry’s standard move off to the left of the main battle with only a handful of escorts and seemed nonchalantly to skirt the marsh near Fenns Lane. Richard frowned. Where was Richmond going? Most likely to parley with the Stanleys directly in front of him, he fumed. A blinding flash of sunlight on a distant breastplate dazzled him momentarily, and the shimmering memory of his battle dream rose before him and made him gasp. It was the same scene: Henry almost alone and vulnerable. Richard did not think twice. God was speaking directly to him, he was certain of it: I have not forsaken you, Richard, and here is My proof, the Lord seemed to say.

Without warning his retinue, Richard gathered his reins in his strong left hand, unhooked his war hammer and lowered his visor. He spurred White Syrie into sudden action, and charging down the hill with only his standard bearer by his side, he skirted the battle and thundered along the path known as Fenns Lane and across Redemore towards the red-dragon standard and his enemy. He had no fear, had not thought of the risk, because he had a divine purpose. God was carrying him along to put an end to all the doubts and struggles of his reign and cement his right to the throne once and for all. He was in a state of euphoria: he was riding to his destiny.

Behind him, Rob and Francis called desperately for him to stop or wait for them. When Richard ignored their plea, they quickly decided that Francis should assume command of the main battle to bolster the flagging van. Rob and John Kendall then ordered others to join them, and they took off after Richard to stop his foolish charge. But by now Richard had a good hundred-yard lead.

“What is he thinking?” Rob yelled, and then he saw. “Good Christ, he is making for Richmond! Is he mad? He is acting like Achilles charging down on Hector. We must stop him, John! Christ’s nails, look!” And he pointed to William Stanley’s force moving towards Henry. “We cannot think Stanley is going to Richard’s aid now, can we? Richard is in mortal danger! Faster, faster!”