Richard III reigned as King of England from 1483 until 1485, serving as the final monarch of the House of York. His ascent to the throne occurred following the displacement of his nephew, Edward V, a move that triggered significant political instability and dynastic controversy. Throughout his short tenure, his authority was frequently challenged by internal dissent and the lingering tensions of the Wars of the Roses, the protracted series of civil conflicts fought between the houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne.

The king's rule came to a definitive end on the battlefield during the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Facing the forces of Henry Tudor, Richard III was defeated and killed, marking a pivotal moment in English history. His death on the field of battle is widely recognised by historians as the conclusion of the Plantagenet dynasty and the effective end of the Wars of the Roses.

The transition of power following his defeat facilitated the rise of the Tudor dynasty, which would go on to shape the governance and culture of England for over a century. His reign remains a subject of intense historical debate, often characterised by the complex circumstances surrounding his rise to power and the dramatic collapse of his administration.

• Ascended to the throne in 1483 following the displacement of Edward V.
• Served as the final monarch from the House of York.
• Faced persistent dynastic controversy throughout his reign.
• Died at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
• His defeat marked the beginning of the Tudor period.