Season 7 | 6. The Traitors

Summary

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Season 7 | Episode 6: The Traitors
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Dan Jones
Production: Sony Music Entertainment

---

Introduction and Context

In Season 7 of "This is History: A Dynasty to Die For," historian Dan Jones delves into the tumultuous reign of King Richard II and the rise of his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. This episode, titled "The Traitors," explores the intricate power struggles, betrayals, and political maneuvers that threatened to dismantle one of Europe's most powerful dynasties—the Plantagenets. Set against the backdrop of late 14th-century England, the narrative captures the essence of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war.

---

The Chase at Radcot Bridge

The episode opens with a dramatic reenactment of Robert de Vere's desperate flight from his pursuers:

James: "Robert de Vere pants as he splashes blindly through the river shallows. Thick fog hangs around him."
Dan Jones [00:47]: "Through it, he hears the yells and screams of men fighting with swords, bows and arrows and pikes."

In the week leading up to Christmas 1387, De Vere finds himself hunted by Henry Bolingbroke, a formidable 20-year-old warrior and Richard II's cousin. This chase underscores the deepening rift within the Plantagenet family.

Dan Jones [01:56]: "The men chasing de Vere are led by King Richard II's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. At 20 years old, Bolingbroke is one of the best warriors in the realm."

---

Rise of the Appellants

As Richard II's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, the English nobility, weary of his misrule, form a coalition known as the Appellants. This group aims to purge the king's favorites and restore stability to the kingdom.

James [15:19]: "It's fair to say that no one does toxic politics quite like the Plantagenets."

The Appellants consist of influential nobles like Thomas of Woodstock, the Earl of Arundel, and the Earl of Warwick, who band together to challenge Richard's authority.

---

Richard II's Gyration and Legal Tactics

In an attempt to consolidate power and eliminate his enemies, Richard II embarks on a "gyration"—a strategic tour of his kingdom to evade the Continual Council that has been governing in his stead.

Dan Jones [07:30]: "The last time we met Henry Bolingbroke properly, he was a teenager... Since that day, Bolingbroke has drifted out of court circles."

During his gyration, Richard relies on Sir Robert Tresillian, a ruthless judge, to fabricate legal justifications for declaring his opponents traitors. This legal machination sets the stage for widespread persecution.

James [09:06]: "One of his favourites in his court circle is a senior judge called Sir Robert Trezilian."

---

Conflicts Among the Nobility

Tensions escalate within the Appellants as Thomas of Woodstock and Henry Bolingbroke clash over the best approach to depose Richard II. While Woodstock advocates for outright removal of the king, Bolingbroke hesitates, reluctant to eliminate all of Richard's closest allies.

Dan Jones [22:30]: "Bolingbroke isn't so sure he knows how much Burley means to Richard, and he doesn't see any merit in slaughtering him."

This internal discord highlights the complexities of politicized loyalty and the fragile alliances that define Plantagenet politics.

---

The Merciless Parliament

The culmination of these power struggles occurs during the Merciless Parliament of 1388, where the Appellants seize control and orchestrate a series of brutal trials and executions aimed at dismantling Richard II's inner circle.

Dan Jones [25:03]: "At the Merciless Parliament, they also secure a death sentence for the lawyer who helped draft the questions to the judges."

Key figures such as Sir Robert Tresillian and Sir Simon Burley face severe repercussions, including execution and exile. The Parliament's actions signify a turning point, marking one of the most severe challenges to royal authority since the reign of Edward II.

James [26:25]: "Bolingbroke and Mowbray both argue against this butchery."

---

Consequences and Aftermath

The Merciless Parliament leaves King Richard II humiliated and his power significantly weakened. Though his throne remains, his ability to govern independently is severely compromised. Henry Bolingbroke emerges as a central figure, gaining substantial influence and setting the stage for future conflicts.

Dan Jones [28:19]: "Bolingbroke isn't so sure he knows how much Burley means to Richard... Richard personally begs for Burley's life."

The episode underscores the precarious nature of power and the relentless ambition that drove the Plantagenet dynasty toward its eventual downfall.

---

Conclusion and Future Developments

As the episode concludes, Dan Jones hints at forthcoming developments that will further reshape the Plantagenet legacy. The anticipated return of John of Gaunt promises to introduce new dynamics, potentially altering the balance of power yet again.

Dan Jones [29:41]: "Because at the end of 1389, with a smile on his face and a huge wagon train of gold stretching out behind him, John of Gaunt comes back."
John of Gaunt: "Daddy's home."

This teaser sets the stage for continued intrigue and the unfolding saga of one of history's most notorious dynasties.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Jones [01:56]: "The men chasing de Vere are led by King Richard II's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. At 20 years old, Bolingbroke is one of the best warriors in the realm."
• James [15:19]: "It's fair to say that no one does toxic politics quite like the Plantagenets."
• Dan Jones [07:30]: "The last time we met Henry Bolingbroke properly, he was a teenager... Since that day, Bolingbroke has drifted out of court circles."
• Dan Jones [22:30]: "Bolingbroke isn't so sure he knows how much Burley means to Richard, and he doesn't see any merit in slaughtering him."
• Dan Jones [25:03]: "At the Merciless Parliament, they also secure a death sentence for the lawyer who helped draft the questions to the judges."
• Dan Jones [28:19]: "Bolingbroke isn't so sure he knows how much Burley means to Richard... Richard personally begs for Burley's life."
• Dan Jones [29:41]: "Because at the end of 1389, with a smile on his face and a huge wagon train of gold stretching out behind him, John of Gaunt comes back."
  John of Gaunt: "Daddy's home."

---

Final Thoughts

Episode 6, "The Traitors," masterfully captures the essence of Plantagenet intrigue, showcasing the delicate dance of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Through vivid reenactments and insightful analysis, Dan Jones provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events that nearly toppled a dynasty. As the story progresses, the return of key figures promises to add new layers of complexity to this enthralling historical drama.

For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Plantagenet politics and contribute to future discussions, becoming a Royal Favourite on Patreon offers exclusive access and engagement opportunities. Join the conversation and immerse yourself further in the captivating history of the Plantagenets.

---

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content segments of the podcast, excluding advertisements, introductions, and outros, as per the instructions.

Transcript

[Dan Jones]

Before we get started, just a reminder.

[James]

That you now have the opportunity to.

[Dan Jones]

Become a Royal favourite subscriber on our new Patreon. It gives you all the benefits of.

[James]

A regular subscription with additional perks like the chance to vote on future episode topics, indulge in some court gossip on.

[Dan Jones]

Our official chat rooms and be in.

[James]

The running for prizes. I am your benevolent king, after all.

[Dan Jones]

Head to patreon.com thisishistory to become a Royal favourite now. Now onto the episode.

[James]

Robert de Vere pants as he splashes blindly through the river shallows. Thick fog hangs around him.

[Dan Jones]

Through it, he hears the yells and screams of men fighting with swords, bows and arrows and pikes. His heart pounds as he runs. His feet are soaked and freezing. His abandoned horse is whinnying.

[James]

But riding blind in weather like this is just too dangerous.

[Dan Jones]

There's a whistle and a thud as.

[James]

An arrow passes just above his head and lodges in a tree. De Vere jumps, but keeps splashing onwards.

[Dan Jones]

Here in Oxfordshire, the Thames isn't as.

[James]

Wide and deep as devoted downriver in London. But he's cut off from the only bridge for miles. He needs to find a shallow crossing.

[Dan Jones]

Only, as well as being foggy, it's now getting dark. It's the week before Christmas 1387, and night falls early. De Vere curses.

[James]

He has to keep moving or he's done for. Behind him, he can hear shouts and footsteps. Panic grips him. They're onto him.

[Dan Jones]

The men chasing de Vere are led by King Richard II's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. At 20 years old, Bolingbroke is one.

[James]

Of the best warriors in the realm.

[Dan Jones]

Last month, he joined a powerful aristocratic.

[James]

Rebellion against the King.

[Dan Jones]

The aim of the rebels is to.

[James]

Sweep de Vere and other royal favourites out of power.

[Dan Jones]

De Vere knows that if Bolingbroke catches him, he's cooked. The yells get closer.

[James]

De Vere can see torchlight in the fog.

[Dan Jones]

He gulps.

[James]

There's only one thing for it.

[Dan Jones]

He pulls his heavy helmet from his.

[James]

Head and throws it away.

[Dan Jones]

He tugs the armor straps at his chest. He hurls that too.

[James]

He chucks away his sword.

[Dan Jones]

Then he takes a deep breath, dives.

[James]

Into the freezing water and starts swimming.

[Dan Jones]

A few moments later, Bolingbroke and his men stumble through the fog to find.

[James]

De Vere's kit in a pile on the riverbank.

[Dan Jones]

The chase is over. Bolingbroke stares at the water.

[James]

The hated favourite is either drowned or on the run in just his soaking wet shirt sleeves.

[Dan Jones]

Either way, he thinks smugly it's a.

[James]

Huge blow to King Richard and it's the point of no return.

[Dan Jones]

Bolingbroke and Richard are going to be deadly enemies for life. I'm Dan Jones and from Sony Music Entertainment, this is history.

[James]

Season 7 of A Dynasty to Die For.

[Dan Jones]

Episode 6, the Traitors.

[Advertiser]

Hey podcast listeners, have you heard? You can listen to your favorite podcasts ad free. That's good news. With Amazon Music, you have access to the largest catalog of ad free top podcasts included with your prime membership. To start listening, download the Amazon Music app for free or go to Amazon.com ADFreePodcasts that's Amazon.com ADFreeP Podcasts to catch up on the latest episodes without the ads.

[James]

At the start of this season, I told you that this was going to be a tale of two cousins. Well, since then we've had plenty of.

[Dan Jones]

One cousin, that's Richard, but a bit less of the other. That's Henry Bolingbroke.

[James]

From this point on though, we're going to hear these two guys begin to.

[Dan Jones]

Share the stage as fate and politics.

[James]

Set them on a collision course.

[Dan Jones]

The last time we met Henry Bolingbroke properly, he was a teenager. It was 1381 and he was being.

[James]

Manhandled out of the Tower of London to safety during the chaos of the Peasants Revolt. Since that day, Bolingbroke has drifted out of court circles. He's being groomed to take over from his mighty father, John of Gaunt.

[Dan Jones]

As Duke of Lancaster, the richest and most influential landowner in England, he's very.

[James]

Much not in with the in crowd. So what happens to drag a 20.

[Dan Jones]

Year old Henry out of his own affairs and prod him into leading an.

[James]

Army against the King's best friend?

[Dan Jones]

Well, spoiler.

[James]

The blame lies pretty squarely with Richard, who has an astonishing knack of driving even his most passive and mild mannered nobles to their wits ends. Bolingbroke is a case in point. You'll remember that back in 1385, Richard fell out spectacularly with Bolingbroke's father, John of Gaunt. The King got it into his head that Gaunt wanted to kill him and toyed openly with the idea of having Gaunt executed on the basis of rumours and his own paranoid imagination. Gaunt got so fed up with this, he took himself off to Castile on military campaign indefinitely. Bolingbroke was left to mind the family business and stew on the grave insult to his father's honour. Then in last week's episode, with Gaunt out of the way, Richard acted like.

[Dan Jones]

A 24 carat jackass when it seemed.

[James]

The French were about to launch the biggest invasion of England since the Norman.

[Dan Jones]

Conquest, he was given the mother of.

[James]

All dressing downs by some of the most senior nobles in England. And in November 1386, the wonderful parliament took power from him and set up a Continual council to govern England on his behalf. That didn't exactly chime with Richard's self image as God's right hand man in his own kingdom. Bolingbroke keeps his powder dry throughout all the nonsense of 1385-86.

[Dan Jones]

But in 1387, as Richard's behaviour gets worse and worse, all the nobles in.

[James]

England have to decide whether they're with.

[Dan Jones]

Him or against him.

[James]

What the King does to tip things.

[Dan Jones]

Over the edge in 1387 is to take himself off on what historians have called his gyration. That doesn't mean he goes on a year long belly dancing retreat. It's an archaic term which means Richard goes on a tour of his kingdom, heading anywhere the Continual Council and the nobles aren't likely to bother him.

[James]

I'll talk you through the weird origins of the term gyration on this week's bonus episode. And if you're a royal favourite on our Patreon, stick around to hear about what question we need your help with. Richard takes his mates De Vere and Michael Delapole gyrating with him. They spend quite a lot of time in the northwestern county of Cheshire.

[Dan Jones]

Now, Cheshire is a special region of.

[James]

England where Richard rules as earl as well as King.

[Dan Jones]

It's a haven of ultra loyalty which produces some of the deadliest archers and most hardcore psychos in the whole of England. In Cheshire and other royalist hotspots, where.

[James]

Richard's majesty counts for more than his.

[Dan Jones]

Deranged personality, the King broods on how he's going to get his own back. On everyone who's forced the Continual Council on him, he comes up with what seems to him like a genius idea. The Continual Council is time limited to a year. Its commission runs out in November 1387. That's Richard's moment to put this nannying nonsense to an end.

[James]

So during his gyration, he gets to work on a plan. One of his favourites in his court circle is a senior judge called Sir Robert Trezilian. Trezilian is a devious lawyer from Cornwall who became a Chief justice after his predecessor was murdered by the revolting peasants. Trezilian led the vicious crackdown on the rebels after the 1381 revolt. He's got a taste for hanging people and is a very nasty piece of work.

[Dan Jones]

Now, in 1387, Richard asks him to.

[James]

Come up with a bunch of legal.

[Dan Jones]

Arguments explaining why everyone who messed with Richard in 1386 deserves to be punished as a traitor.

[James]

Tresillian does just that and browbeats six other judges to get behind it. The official legal judgment is written down.

[Dan Jones]

Supposedly in secret, but like so many evil plans throughout history, it's leaked.

[James]

The nobles realise that Richard plans to butcher them. Like the peasants Tresillian left hacked to.

[Dan Jones]

Bits six years ago, the rule of.

[James]

Law is in absolute tatters. Understandably, the English nobility are rather moody about the prospect of being judicially murdered en masse.

[Dan Jones]

So in November 1387, they steel themselves.

[James]

To resist Richard's assault.

[Dan Jones]

The most obviously at risk are the King's uncle, Thomas Woodstock, the Earl of.

[James]

Arundel, and his brother, Bishop Arundel. But there are plenty more who Richard.

[Dan Jones]

Might have in his sights too, including Henry Bolingbroke.

[James]

If Richard is prepared to have judges.

[Dan Jones]

Declare that anyone he takes a dislike to is a traitor, no one in the realm can possibly be safe in the Middle Ages.

[Sponsor]

When the French king is captured and put into the Tower of London, France goes into full blown anarchy. If only they'd had access to Indeed, they could have found the perfect replacement king straight away and saved the country from total meltdown. That's because when it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. Indeed sponsored jobs help you stand out and hire fast. That makes a huge difference. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. So while it's too late for medieval French revolutionaries, it's the perfect time for you to get your job seen by the right people fast and listeners of this show will get a £100 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com dynasty, just go to Indeed.com dynasty right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.com dynasty terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

When we first launched my podcast, this Is History back in what now actually feels like the Middle Ages. Naturally, all my accounts were worked out on an abacus. My scripts were written with quill on parchment and I sent them over to my producer on a raven. It was a slow, overwhelming and lonely process with so many different hats to wear and so much to do with so little time. If only I'd had Shopify as my business partner to get me started and help me keep up with the pace. Finding the right tool that not only helps you out, but simplifies Everything can be such a game changer for millions of businesses. That tool is Shopify. Turn your big business idea into With Shopify on your side. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.co.uk sell23try go to shopify.co.uk sell 23/3 Noblemen.

[James]

March Together through Westminster hall, watched by a murmuring crowd of onlookers. At one end of the hall, King.

[Dan Jones]

Richard awaits his visitors, a look of barely contained fury on his face. He knows what the noblemen have come for. He knows he's not going to like it. Everyone in the Great hall knows how.

[James]

Dangerous a moment this could be. Richard commands the crowd to be silent.

[Dan Jones]

A hush falls around the room and the three visitors face the King and tell him exactly what's on their minds. These nobles are the King's uncle, Thomas of Woodstock, a long time critic of his foolish nephew, the warlike Earl of.

[James]

Arundel, who has been almost single handedly.

[Dan Jones]

Defending the coast from the French and.

[James]

Another ally, the Earl of Warwick. In response to the legal opinions of the judges, the men have hatched a plan of their own. They know Richard is plotting to start.

[Dan Jones]

Blasting accusations of treason against his enemies.

[James]

Unless they get in there first.

[Dan Jones]

So they've compiled a list of their.

[James]

Own, the most hated enemies around Richard.

[Dan Jones]

Led by de Vere and the hanging judge, Tresillian.

[James]

They're going to appeal this lot of treason. Their defence is offence.

[Dan Jones]

The legal proceedings they demand would remove.

[James]

Richard's pals permanently from court and maybe do away with some of them for good. The rebel nobles figure that if they strip the King of all his friends.

[Dan Jones]

He won't have any power to move against them.

[James]

In fact, they've already started gathering troops.

[Dan Jones]

To drive home their point.

[James]

Call it fighting fire with fire.

[Dan Jones]

It's fair to say that no one.

[James]

Does toxic politics quite like the Plantagenets. Since these Lords are appealing the King's.

[Dan Jones]

Friends of treason, they'll come to be.

[James]

Known by the collective name of the Appellants.

[Dan Jones]

Weird word, but remember it, because we're.

[James]

Going to hear a lot more about them.

[Dan Jones]

Needless to say, when the three appellants come to Westminster in November 1387 and tell Richard they want his mates done for treason. The King is furious, but he's also.

[James]

Very wary of the appellant's power.

[Dan Jones]

So he plasters on a big smile and plays for time, telling them that, sure, they can put their appeal to the next Parliament, due to be held in February 1388 at the same time, though, Richard activates rat mode. He tells his mates at court that they need to scatter.

[James]

Ideally in disguise.

[Dan Jones]

His disgraced chancellor, Michael Delapole, shaves off his hair and beard, dresses himself as a chicken farmer, complete with chickens in cages, and catches a boat to Calais, where he tries to pass himself off as a tradesman.

[James]

That doesn't go well.

[Dan Jones]

Delapole is rumbled and arrested and sent back to London by the keeper of Calais Castle. While Delapole is clowning around with a basket full of hens, Richard sends his bosom chum Robert de Vere, up to Cheshire, that hotbed of royal fanaticism.

[James]

But this is less of a fancy dress mission.

[Dan Jones]

Richard tells de Vere that shit is about to get very real and gives him urgent orders to raise an army of as many Cheshire head cases as he can find as fast as he can.

[James]

But here's the problem with Richard. He's devious, but not very clever. He doesn't seem to figure out that if one of his buddies can't escape.

[Dan Jones]

England dressed up as a poultry salesman.

[James]

Then it's vanishingly unlikely that another will.

[Dan Jones]

Be able to raise an army of.

[James]

Several thousand nutters in a couple of weeks without people noticing.

[Dan Jones]

So, like, obviously, word of de Vere's.

[James]

Rabble rousing gets straight back to the appellants. And rather than wait for Richard to.

[Dan Jones]

Spring his not very surprise attack, they.

[James]

Also get troops together and prepare for a fight.

[Dan Jones]

They don't really have much choice here.

[James]

Both sides are threatening each other with treason.

[Dan Jones]

And treason means very bad things happening.

[James]

Often to the softest bits of your body. This is starting to look an awful lot like civil war. Everything is also happening fast.

[Dan Jones]

It's November when the three appellants come to lay their case before Richard in London. By early December, de Vere has his army raised. Around the same time, the three main appellants have drafted in a younger nobleman called Thomas Mowbray, and none other than Henry Bolingbroke.

[James]

And that's what brings us to where we started this episode.

[Dan Jones]

A week before Christmas, 1387, by the.

[James]

Banks of the River Thames in Oxfordshire.

[Dan Jones]

The place is called Radcot Bridge, and it's here that forces led by Henry Bolingbroke, with the other appellant lords in tow, run into de Vere and his army. With the dank, dark December weather and the fog, it's a chaotic skirmish rather than a battle. De Vere's plan is to get across the bridge so he can keep his.

[James]

Army moving south towards London and the King.

[Dan Jones]

But Bolingbroke and the other appellants cut him off. That's how he ends up sploshing through the water, desperate with Bolingbroke's men closing in on him. And although he makes his getaway by diving into the frigid water, plenty of his Cheshiremen aren't so lucky.

[James]

The end of the showdown is recorded.

[Dan Jones]

By a chronicler from Bolingbroke Circle. Our men attacked de Vere's troops as public enemies and caught almost everyone and.

[James]

Shamelessly stripped and spoiled them of everything.

[Dan Jones]

Arms, bows and arrows, horses, gold, silver.

[James]

And their clothes down to their skins. And thus, penniless and needy, afflicted by.

[Dan Jones]

Hunger and cold, naked, empty handed and wretched, they were dismissed to their own parts. Seven days later, on Boxing Day, Bolingbroke.

[James]

And the other appellants make a formal entry into London. Drawn up in three battalions, the day.

[Dan Jones]

Bright with the blaze of their arms.

[James]

They send a message to Richard, who knows by now that de Vere has been defeated and is currently running around a forest in his boxer shorts.

[Dan Jones]

Bolingbroke and his allies tell the King.

[James]

They need an urgent meeting with him the next day. It isn't hard to guess what's going to be on their agenda.

[Sponsor]

This episode is brought to you by Amazon Prime. From streaming to shopping, prime helps you get more out of your passions. So whether you're a fan of true crime or prefer a nail biting novel from time to time, with services like Prime Video, Amazon Music and fast free delivery, prime makes it easy to get more out of whatever you're into or getting into. Visit Amazon.comprime to learn more.

[Dan Jones]

Thomas of Woodstock, the King's uncle, thumps.

[James]

The table with his fist angrily. Plates and cups rattle.

[Dan Jones]

Henry Bolingbroke shoves his chair backwards, stands up and paces around the room. Woodstock is his uncle too, and in theory, they're allies. But now the two appellants eye each other uneasily. The other lords sitting around the conference table do their best to calm the quarreling pair. They've been cooped up in this room.

[James]

For nearly three days now, trying to agree on their next move.

[Dan Jones]

Everyone is tired and tempers are beginning to flare. As well they might. Three days ago, on December 30, in another chamber here in the Tower, they told King Richard that they were kicking him off the throne.

[James]

For the second time in Plantagenet history, a king is being deposed.

[Dan Jones]

If you want to remind yourself what.

[James]

Happened the first time, go back to season five.

[Dan Jones]

We'll put the links to the most useful episodes and bonus episodes in the show notes.

[James]

Or is he?

[Dan Jones]

That's what the argument between Woodstock and Henry Bolingbroke is all about. A couple of weeks ago, they were.

[James]

All partners in the resistance to Richard's inept rule and de Vere's sabre rattling. But now there's a serious rift between them. Woodstock is adamant Richard's a basket case beyond correction. In less than a week, he'll turn 21. He's old enough to have shown what sort of king he is.

[Dan Jones]

He deserves to be booted off the throne and since he has no kids.

[James]

He should be replaced by someone else.

[Dan Jones]

Of royal status, like him. Thomas of Woodstock, youngest son of Edward iii.

[James]

The Earls of Arundel and Warwick are broadly with Woodstock on this. Richard needs to go.

[Dan Jones]

In fact, technically, he sort of is gone. They have him locked up in the.

[James]

Tower and they've told him it's curtains.

[Dan Jones]

What else is there to say? The trouble is, Bolingbroke and Mowbray, the.

[James]

Two more junior repellents, don't like this idea.

[Dan Jones]

For a start, deposing a king is.

[James]

A dreadful offence against the universe. Richard has been anointed by God and it's not for any man to undo that. For another thing, swapping Richard II for.

[Dan Jones]

King Thomas I, it doesn't feel like a great move.

[James]

It's not remotely clear that Thomas is next in line anyway.

[Dan Jones]

Bolingbroke's dad, John of Gaunt, is older, so he should take precedence, even though he's not in the country. There's also another royal uncle, the Earl of Cambridge, and a 13 year old kid called Roger, Earl of March, who's.

[James]

Descended from Edward's second son.

[Dan Jones]

He could have a better claim if they start to dig into it. Bolingbroke's position is they've got rid of de Vere.

[James]

They need to purge the court and.

[Dan Jones]

Royal household, get rid of the wrong un's around Richard, put them on trial for treason in Parliament, then take control of government until the King can get a grip.

[James]

While they've been in the Tower, Bolingbroke has had dinner with Richard. He's found him remorseful, even tearful. Bolingbroke has softened.

[Dan Jones]

They can't let Richard off the hook, but they don't have to kick him off the throne. In the end, Bolingbroke wins the argument.

[James]

The Lords go to Richard and tell him he's to go back to Westminster Palace. They're taking control of his household and his government. They're sparing his life and crown.

[Dan Jones]

But if he messes Up.

[James]

They reserve the right to change their minds. And all his mates are going to go on trial next month in Parliament.

[Dan Jones]

Richard is shell shocked, but he has.

[James]

No choice but to agree.

[Dan Jones]

And so begins the next great humiliation of his reign. It's a quirk of Richard's life and.

[James]

Reign that so many of the parliaments have grand titles. We've had the good parliament of 1376.

[Dan Jones]

And the wonderful parliament of 1386. In 1388, another one rolls along and this time the clue is very much in the name. It's called the Merciless Parliament. In it, the axe falls quite literally.

[James]

On the crowd Richard has kept around him. Five major bad guys are tried, although.

[Dan Jones]

The majority of them aren't present in person because they've fled. The word is that since getting away from Bolingbroke at Radcot Bridge, de Vere.

[James]

Has made it to France, so he's.

[Dan Jones]

Declared a traitor in his absence. So is Michael Delapole, who's fled England once more, albeit not disguised as a chicken farmer this time, and is hiding in Paris. Archbishop Neville, another member of the court.

[James]

Has legged it to Scotland, so he's stripped of his title. Not everyone gets away, however. The hanging judge, Sir Robert Tresillian, is in hiding somewhere in London. During the Parliament, he's captured disguised as a beggar, with magic charms sewn into his clothes. More of that in this week's bonus episode of this Is History. Plus he's sentenced to die.

[Dan Jones]

The hanging judge is hanged naked and.

[James]

Then has his throat cut. But the appellants aren't finished. In fact, they're only just getting started.

[Dan Jones]

At the Merciless Parliament, they also secure.

[James]

A death sentence for the lawyer who helped draft the questions to the judges.

[Dan Jones]

That kicked off this whole saga.

[James]

They exile six actual judges to Ireland.

[Dan Jones]

Along with the King's confessor. Then finally, they go after the Knights.

[James]

Of the King's Chamber.

[Dan Jones]

De Vere aside, these are the closest.

[James]

Things thing Richard has to best friends.

[Dan Jones]

And there's one who is dearer to him than any other. That's Sir Simon Burley.

[James]

We've met Burley before.

[Dan Jones]

He's a war hero who was a.

[James]

Close associate of Richard's dad, the Black Prince. He was Richard's tutor. He carried Richard on his shoulders during his coronation.

[Dan Jones]

He's almost a surrogate father in the.

[James]

View of the senior appellants. Burleigh has personal responsibility for letting Richard go astray. He deserves to die for his negligence.

[Dan Jones]

Bolingbroke isn't so sure he knows how.

[James]

Much Burley means to Richard, and he doesn't see any merit in slaughtering him.

[Dan Jones]

This time, however, Bolingbroke loses the argument. On May 5, Burleigh, who has really.

[James]

Been nothing but loyal to his wayward.

[Dan Jones]

King, is found guilty of treason. Richard personally begs for Burley's life. The young Queen Anne of Bohemia goes down on her knees and pleads to.

[James]

The appellants not to kill him. Bolingbroke and Mowbray both argue against this butchery.

[Dan Jones]

But the senior repellents, Woodstock, Arundel and Warwick, have made their minds up. On the same day, Burley is sentenced.

[James]

He's beheaded on Tower Hill.

[Dan Jones]

With that, the work of the merciless parliament is done. There's a church service in Westminster Abbey.

[James]

At which Richard renews his coronation oath.

[Dan Jones]

Squashing any hint that he might be technically deposed. The appellants swear oaths of loyalty to.

[James]

The King.

[Dan Jones]

But this is an episode that none of them will ever forget. The King has been humiliated and has.

[James]

Had all his best friends either killed.

[Dan Jones]

Or exiled from being a political outsider. Henry Bolingbroke has had a leading role in the most severe attack on the crown since the dark days of Edward ii. For all the oath swearing, it's hard.

[James]

To see how this dreadful political rupture.

[Dan Jones]

Can end ever be repaired, or for.

[James]

That matter, how things can get any more insane.

[Dan Jones]

But in 1389, everything changes. Once again. Life for Henry Bolingbroke in particular, is.

[James]

About to become even more eventful.

[Dan Jones]

Because at the end of 1389, with a smile on his face and a huge wagon train of gold stretching out behind him, John of Gaunt comes back.

[John of Gaunt]

Daddy's home.

[Dan Jones]

But that's for next time on this Is History.

[James]

As always, dear listener, the story doesn't end here. If you want to keep the discussion.

[Dan Jones]

Going with fellow history nerds, you can become a royal favourite over at our Patreon, where we love some court gossip. This week, we want to know, if you had to make a quick exit from the Royal court like Michael Delapole.

[James]

What would your disguise be? Please send us your thoughts. And the more photos, the better.

[Dan Jones]

Head to patreon.com thisishistory to join the Royal court.