English Kingdoms

Richard II

Born in 1367 
Ascended in 1377 
Died in 1399, aged 33 
Reigned for 22 years
Married to Anne of Bohemia and Isabella of France. 

Richard II was the last of the Angevins. He was born in 1367 in Bordeaux, the grandson of Edward III and the son of the Black Prince. The hundred years war with France continued throughout Richard II's reign, but fighting was not consistent.

The Peasants Revolt led by Wat Tyler took place during the reign of Richard, as a reaction to the proposed Poll Tax. Over 100,000 people marched on London in protest. Richard bravely said that he would support the people. Whether he did is doubtful, but the landlords of England were made aware of the power of the peasantry. 

Richard II married twice, Anne of Bohemia and then Isabella of France, without producing any children. The second time he married he had to pawn the crown jewels to pay for the ceremonies.

Richard II was usurped by Henry IV and died of neglect in Pontefract Castle in 1399. This was the start of the War of the Roses that affected seven English Kings from Richard II until Henry VII; although armed conflict only took place between 1455 and 1485.