If I have created a living, breathing protagonist out of the thousands of pages about Richard I have read during fifty years of trying to understand why this man, who only reigned for two years, has been one of the most divisive historical figures in English history, then I can perhaps now put this obsession to rest!

But first, I must acknowledge the liberties I took with my story before those readers who may be far better versed in the period than I jump up and down and point them out. As with all my books, I am painstaking in my research and only set a scene between characters in a certain time and place that might have been plausible. If there is nothing in the historical record to say it didn’t take place, then I can take the plunge.

For example, one of the most fascinating mysteries of our history is what happened to the princes in the Tower. I have been consistent in my take throughout my six books, and I lay the blame on Buckingham because of a chronicled event in the summer of 1483. Buckingham did not go with Richard on his progress in July, despite being the king’s BFF at the time. However, when Richard got to Gloucester, it is recorded that Buckingham arrived and a very short time later was seen riding fast out of town and onto the road to Wales, where his chief residence of Brecknock was located. He never reunited with Richard for the rest of the progress, and the next time we learn of him from the records is that he joined with the Lancastrians and rebelled against Richard. I, of course, invented the conversation/argument Richard and Buckingham had during the “very short time” in Gloucester, but I think it is very plausible that Harry eagerly gave Richard news of the princes’ demise and was met with fury by their uncle. Richard did indeed write of him: “…the most untrue creature living.”