🏰 The Princes in the Tower
Commemorate one of England's greatest unsolved historical mysteries with this museum-style tribute to King Edward V and his younger brother Prince Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York—the two young sons of King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville, remembered throughout history as The Princes in the Tower.
Inspired by late medieval portraiture and historical research, this artwork presents the brothers surrounded by elegant Yorkist White Roses, symbolising innocence, remembrance, and their royal House of York. Rich antique gold detailing, heraldic imagery, and a restrained colour palette create a respectful memorial to two boys whose story has fascinated historians for more than five centuries.
Poster Features
King Edward V (1470–?)
Prince Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York (1473–?)
Sons of King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville
Inspired by medieval portraiture and historical manuscripts
Yorkist White Rose detailing throughout
Antique gold, ivory and sepia colour palette
Museum-style historical design
Includes a contemporary quotation by Polydore Vergil
Perfect for historians, collectors, genealogists, and enthusiasts of the Wars of the Roses
Ideal for studies, libraries, offices, and historical displays
Historical Significance
Following the unexpected death of King Edward IV in April 1483, twelve-year-old Edward V became the lawful King of England, while his younger brother Richard remained next in line to the throne. Before Edward's coronation could take place, the brothers were lodged within the Tower of London, then still serving as a royal residence, while preparations for the ceremony were said to be underway.
Within weeks, Parliament declared their parents' marriage invalid, rendering the boys illegitimate and clearing the way for their uncle to ascend the throne as King Richard III. The two princes gradually disappeared from public view and were never reliably seen again.
What became of Edward and Richard remains one of the greatest unanswered questions in English history. Their disappearance has inspired centuries of investigation, debate, literature, archaeology, and historical scholarship. Despite countless theories, no definitive evidence has ever established their ultimate fate.
Rather than seeking to answer that mystery, this artwork remembers the two young brothers themselves—children born into extraordinary privilege, whose lives became forever entwined with one of history's most enduring enigmas.
"Most innocent children."
— Polydore Vergil, Anglica Historia (c.1534)
