Uploaded August 2018 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago

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Horrible Histories have their own song about Richard III, so I thought I'd do one myself.

When it comes to history, I've been hard done by
Tudor propaganda and some thespian lies
And now I'm here to set the story straight
I'm not perfect, but it's unfair to hate.
Here comes the story of that evil king
Most hated man in English history
For something everybody done
I was flawed, but one time I could have been
Champion of the world.

My father, brother and uncle died when I was 8
Forced to flee the country, my life wasn't great
My son and wife died just months apart
I spent my life with a broken heart
As Warden of the North I kept the peace
Protected people, brought prosperity
I was loyal to the King
Fought by his side and became his closest man, but that was my undoing

I served the King well and he trusted me
As Lord Protector of his sons, you see
But when the King died unexpectedly
My life turned round in 1483
I wrestled power from the 12 year old king
Took them to the tower for their own safe-keeping
But who knows if it was me
Who killed those kids I guess it's one of those big unsolved mysteries

They call me a tyrant, but it was me
Who protected the ordinary peasantry
Brought in laws which are still used today
Cared for my people, both the rich and lay
But when I fought the Battle at Bosworth Field
I was brave and refused to yield
All my friends abandoned me
Turned their backs as I was surrounded
And cut down