Solving a Royal Murder Mystery | Philippa Langley Investigates the Princes in the Tower - HISTORY This Week

Summary

HISTORY This Week
Episode: Solving a Royal Murder Mystery | Philippa Langley Investigates the Princes in the Tower
Release Date: July 14, 2025
Host: The HISTORY® Channel | Back Pocket Studios
Duration: Approximately 39 minutes

Introduction to the Mystery

In this gripping episode of HISTORY This Week, host Sally Helm dives deep into one of England's most enduring historical enigmas: the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. This episode features an in-depth interview with historian and author Philippa Langley, whose groundbreaking work sheds new light on this centuries-old mystery.

Discovery of the Skeletons (01:53 - 04:36)

The episode begins with a vivid reenactment set in July 1674, where laborers uncover two small skeletons beneath a staircase in the Tower of London. This discovery reignites the long-standing debate over the fate of Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, who vanished in 1483. The narrative swiftly connects these findings to King Charles II's interpretation, where he posits that the brothers were victims of their uncle, Richard III.

Sally Helm (Host):
"Nearly 200 years earlier, in 1483, two young boys famously disappeared from the Tower of London...Rumors spread that they'd been murdered by their uncle, King Richard III."

Philippa Langley's Quest (04:36 - 07:08)

Enter Philippa Langley, whose Looking for Richard Project challenges the traditional villainous portrayal of Richard III. Influenced by Paul Murray Kendall's research, Langley begins to question the Shakespearean depiction of Richard, seeking to uncover his true legacy.

Philippa Langley:
"I couldn't understand why whenever we hear about Richard III, it's the Shakespearean villain who was rolled out...I think you have to take those very seriously."

Her investigative journey leads her to hypothesize that Richard III was unjustly maligned by political enemies, particularly Henry Tudor (later Henry VII), who sought to consolidate power by tarnishing Richard's reputation.

Reevaluating Richard III's Role (07:08 - 12:08)

Langley meticulously examines historical records, uncovering instances that portray Richard as a loyal and capable leader rather than a tyrant. She posits that the negative narratives were fabricated to legitimize Henry VII's claim to the throne.

Philippa Langley:
"Historians that have gone with that account often ignored that Richard was the Constable of England...He was trying to navigate a minefield at this time."

The Coronation and the Princes' Placement (12:08 - 17:33)

Following King Edward IV's unexpected death in April 1483, his sons, Edward V (12) and Richard (9), are hastily moved to the Tower of London under the protection of their uncle, Richard III. Langley explores the political maneuvering involved, including the arrest of relatives from the princes' mother's family, the Woodvilles, suggesting that these actions were strategic rather than indicative of a power grab.

Philippa Langley:
"The accounts show Richard was trying to negotiate a complex political situation, not necessarily rushing to seize power."

The Bishop's Revelation and Richard's Ascension (17:33 - 22:22)

A pivotal moment occurs when an English bishop alleges that King Edward IV was previously married, rendering his sons illegitimate. This revelation undermines the princes' claim to the throne and propels Richard III to seize power, culminating in his coronation. Langley challenges the conventional narrative that views this as a straightforward usurpation, instead highlighting Richard's hesitation and general acceptance by the populace.

Philippa Langley:
"His coronation was one of the best attended, and it was generally accepted as the right thing to do."

The Disappearance of the Princes (22:22 - 26:35)

As Richard III's reign progresses, the princes vanish, leading to speculations of foul play. Contrary to popular belief, contemporary evidence from the time does not explicitly link Richard to their disappearance. Langley emphasizes the absence of immediate suspicions or public outcry during Richard's rule.

Philippa Langley:
"There is absolutely no contemporary evidence that people thought the princes had been murdered during Richard's reign."

The Missing Princes Project (28:34 - 35:20)

Philippa Langley introduces the Missing Princes Project, a collaborative research initiative involving over 300 members worldwide. This collective effort uncovers critical evidence, including a 1487 receipt in Holland indicating Edward V's exile and a manuscript by the younger prince, Richard, detailing his journey away from the Tower.

Philippa Langley:
"In May 2020, we found a receipt for weapons dated 16 December 1487...It was a really big moment."

Unveiling the Truth (35:20 - 37:31)

Through rigorous analysis, Langley and her team propose that both princes did not perish in the Tower but were instead exiled. Richard V is believed to have been executed in 1499 after several failed attempts to reclaim the throne, while Edward V likely died sometime after 1488, with no definitive records of his fate.

Philippa Langley:
"We concluded there is no evidence that the remains found are those of the princes...They were probably foundation burials from much earlier periods."

Challenging the Established Narrative (37:31 - 39:12)

Langley confronts the entrenched image of Richard III as a villain, attributing it to Tudor propaganda designed to legitimize Henry VII's rule. She advocates for a historical methodology that prioritizes contemporary sources over later, potentially biased accounts.

Philippa Langley:
"The victors write the history...use contemporary materials from those who knew people rather than later chroniclers who weren't there."

Conclusion

This episode of HISTORY This Week masterfully blends historical investigation with engaging storytelling, presenting a compelling reevaluation of one of England's most infamous monarchs. Philippa Langley's meticulous research not only questions long-held beliefs but also exemplifies how modern inquiry can breathe new life into historical mysteries.

Notable Quotes:

Philippa Langley (04:36): "It's possible to solve very old historical mysteries by taking a fresh, clear-eyed look at the facts."
Philippa Langley (05:29): "I think you have to take [positive accounts of Richard] very seriously."
Philippa Langley (07:22): "I decided to get in touch with investigative specialists...you have to start with a blank page."
Philippa Langley (22:15): "He hesitates."
Philippa Langley (36:25): "I have called for these remains to be examined at our earliest convenience...They were probably foundation burials."

This comprehensive exploration not only uncovers new evidence but also invites listeners to rethink a pivotal chapter of English history. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to the subject, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the Princes in the Tower and the legacy of Richard III.

Transcript

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Week is now in its sixth season, which is kind of crazy, but we're continuing to grow and to bring you stories from the past that you've never heard before. There are more ways than ever to follow our show. So yes, you can listen on your podcast app, but now you can also subscribe to History this Week plus on Apple Podcasts for an ad free experience on all new episodes. Also, if you're more of a Spotify person, Spotify now lets you comment directly on individual episodes, so let us know what you think. You can also get email reminders each time an episode comes out. Sign up for that@historythisweekpodcast.com and be sure to follow us on our new Instagram page too. There's some fun stuff going on over there. As always, share History this week with your friends. Give us a five star review if you want. And if you want to reach out, shoot us an email@historythisweekistory.com Five years in, we have a ton of episodes that you can always go back and listen to, and we're also really excited about everything that's coming up. We hope you are too. For now, enjoy the latest episode.

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This week, July 17, 1674 Sally I'm Sally Helm. A group of laborers is digging in the shadow of the White Tower, a famous white bricked castle. Keep if you close your eyes and picture a generic castle, you're probably imagining it just right. The White Tower is part of the Tower of London, which is basically a small citadel on the banks of the River Thames. Over the years, it's had many royal uses, and today these laborers are doing some renovations. According to the story, they're digging beneath a staircase 10ft under the ground. When they find something unexpected. Two small skeletons, children long dead. News of the discovery reaches King Charles ii. And he thinks that I know exactly who those children are. Nearly 200 years earlier, in 1483, two young boys famously disappeared from the Tower of London. 12 year old Edward V and his 9 year old brother. They arrived at the castle by June, and by autumn, they'd vanished. Over time, rumors spread that they'd been murdered. And not just that. The suspicion was they'd been killed by their uncle, the King, Richard iii, later made famous as a Shakespearean madman. And now here are two tiny skeletons which seem to confirm his savagery. King Charles II has the bones in sealed into a marble urn and interred in Westminster Abbey. But royal bones don't always stay buried. Centuries later, in 2012, a writer named Philippa Langley comes forward with a discovery. She thinks she knows the true location of a different body, the body of the boy's uncle, the infamous Richard iii. Langley has been working for years on a project, the Looking for Richard Project. Like basically everyone else, she'd initially thought of him as the Shakespearean villain. But then one day she's on a vacation in Cyprus when she reads a book that changes her mind.