This text argues that the traditional view of Richard III is very near the truth - Shakespeare's Richard is closer to reality than the image of a betrayed hero favoured by his modern defenders. The author believes the king to have been the most terrifying man ever to occupy the English throne, not excepting his great nephew Henry VIII. His short life was filled with intrigue and slaughter, and he was the only king of England - other than Harold - to be defeated and killed in battle. In the author's opinion, Richard undoubtedly murdered his nephews, almost certainly his cousin Henry VI and, just possibly, Henry's son as well.