Shakespeare’s Royal Education

Host Dennis Leap discusses why King Richard attacks his uncle, John of Gaunt, and his cousin, Bolingbroke. King Richard was responsible for the execution of his uncle, Thomas, duke of Gloucester. John of Gaunt and Bolingbroke knew this, and they also knew Richard paid Thomas Mowbray to do the deed. To protect himself, King Richard set up a sham fight between Bolingbroke and Mowbray. He banished Bolingbroke from England for six years; Mowbray was banished for life. After Bolingbroke left England, King Richard taunts his Uncle John on his deathbed. After John’s death, Richard took over his lands and wealth to support his war with the Irish.