Publisher's Synopsis
Shakespeare's story begins with a conflict; Henry Bolingbroke has accused Thomas Mowbray of treason. Richard allows the two men to settle their feud in a trial by combat, but before the battle can ensue, the king stops the fight and banishes them both from the realm. When Bolingbroke's father, John of Gaunt, dies, Richard seizes his estates to pay for a military campaign in Ireland. While Richard is away, Henry returns to claim the inheritance he feels he is rightfully due. Many nobles side with Henry against the king. Richard, who is forced to retreat to Flint Castle, agrees to meet with Henry. He submits to returning to London as a prisoner to stand trial in Parliament. Richard eventually confesses to crimes against the state and cedes the crown to Henry. Following a thwarted plot against Henry, the new king imprisons Richard in Pontefract Castle. There, Sir Pierce of Exton murders Richard, believing he is acting in accordance with Henry's wishes. Henry, however, mourns Richard's death and exiles Exton for his deed, vowing to make a Crusade in the Holy Land to "wash this blood off from my guilty hand." FultonClassics.com
