I pledge allegiance to the flag of King Richard III

October 11, 2008 Ronan

Of all the names which have been attached to the noble and antient institution that we know as the English monarchy, Plantagenet is the coolest. “Plan-ta-ge-net.” Rolls around the mouth with the sweet delight of a Murray mint. OK, their origins were French but the name remains cool.

On a field in Leicestershire, a Plantagenet’s banner still waves. Its original was planted there by that last Yorkist king, Richard III before he was killed in battle by the forces of Henry Tudor in 1485.

We do not know where Richard lies, but the fields of Bosworth still breathe a ghostly whisper of England’s last medieval king.

I shall despair. There is no creature loves me;
And if I die, no soul will pity me:
Nay, wherefore should they, since that I myself
Find in myself no pity to myself?