This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Season 7 | Episode 9: Richard’s Revenge
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Dan Jones
Produced by Sony Music Entertainment

Introduction: A Glittering Front for Conflict

On the evening of September 16, 1397, London becomes the backdrop for one of the Plantagenet dynasty's most pivotal and tumultuous moments. Hosted in the opulent mansion of wealthy merchant John Roat on Fleet Street, the party orchestrated by Henry Bolingbroke sets the stage for imminent upheaval. As guests arrive in grand carriages and rowboats, the lavish decorations and flowing drinks mask an undercurrent of tension. The presence of Bolingbroke’s young sons, Henry (11) and Thomas (9), underscores the seriousness of the night. Dan Jones sets the scene, highlighting the strained atmosphere as whispers of a decisive Parliament the following day circulate among the attendees.

“The mood at the party is strained. Bolingbroke has brought his two eldest sons along...Everyone knows why.”
— Dan Jones [04:45]

King Richard II’s Calculated Retribution

Ten years after the ruthless Parliament of 1386, where King Richard II was humiliated and his allies purged, the King is poised to exact revenge. Richard’s grudge has festered, culminating in the arrest of three key lords—his uncle Thomas of Woodstock, and the Earls of Arundel and Warwick—who were instrumental in the downfall of his closest supporters. Richard's arrival with his private militia, the Cheshire Archers, signifies a sinister turn as they serve solely to intimidate and enforce his will.

“Not everyone at this party can be certain of making it through the next 24 hours alive.”
— Dan Jones [07:22]

The Orchestrated Trials and Executions

The heart of Richard’s revenge unfolds within the grand marquee of Westminster Palace, transformed into a makeshift Parliament venue. The atmosphere is oppressive, with thousands of Cheshire Archers enforcing a palpable sense of fear. The first to face Richard’s wrath is the Earl of Arundel, whose trial is a mere formality. Despite his attempts to invoke a royal pardon, Arundel is unceremoniously sentenced to death for treason, his execution a public spectacle meant to intimidate any remaining dissenters.

“He claims that, in fact, as part of the settlement from the merciless Parliament, he has a royal pardon which protects him. A sort of get out of jail free card.”
— Dan Jones [09:15]

Shock ripples through the crowd as it becomes apparent that John of Gaunt, the Steward of England, and Henry Bolingbroke are complicit in the King’s vendetta. This revelation marks a turning point, showcasing Richard’s ruthless consolidation of power by eliminating his adversaries through orchestrated trials.

Betrayal and the Fate of the Appellants

With Arundel’s execution complete, Richard turns his attention to Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester. However, Woodstock defies expectations by remaining absent, leading to his silent removal by Lord Thomas Mowbray, another former appellant. Mowbray’s role in Woodstock’s murder in Calais exemplifies the depths of Richard’s desperation to eradicate his enemies without the pretense of a fair trial.

“He was strangled or suffocated in the back room of a Calais pub called the Prince's Inn.”
— Dan Jones [16:05]

The final appellant, the Earl of Warwick, pleads for mercy but is only stripped of his titles and exiled, underscoring the incomplete nature of Richard’s revenge. The Parliament concludes with Richard rewarding his loyalists, including Bolingbroke and Mowbray, by elevating their ranks, yet this move garners disdain as titles are seen as “petty” gains earned through betrayal.

The Aftermath: A Fragile Peace and Looming Threats

In the wake of the purges, Richard suspends Parliament, planning to reconvene in Shrewsbury in January 1398. This decision hints at ongoing instability and the potential for further consolidation of Richard’s power. The execution and exile of key nobles have left the Plantagenet dynasty fractured, with Bolingbroke’s position precarious despite his newfound titles.

A Young Perspective: The Impact on the Plantagenet Heirs

Amidst the political chaos, Henry and Thomas Bolingbroke witness the grim realities of their father’s actions. Their father’s betrayal of old allies for the sake of family safety highlights the intense personal and political struggles within the Plantagenet family. The loss of their uncle and the treacherous actions of their grandfather, John of Gaunt, paint a bleak picture for their future stability and legacy.

Cliffhanger: Bolingbroke's Dilemma

As Christmas approaches in 1397, Henry Bolingbroke rides toward London burdened with troubling news. Thomas Mowbray, the newly minted Duke of Norfolk, warns Bolingbroke of King Richard’s impending plot to eliminate him and John of Gaunt to seize their lands and disrupt the royal succession. This revelation places Bolingbroke in a dire predicament: should he trust Mowbray's warning, risking his safety, or dismiss it as a potential setup orchestrated by Richard?

“They're basically never going to be safe. With that happy Christmas message, Mowbray leaves Bolingbroke and rides off.”
— Dan Jones [22:50]

The episode concludes with Bolingbroke facing an agonizing decision that will determine not only his fate but that of his entire family, setting the stage for the next installment in this dramatic saga.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Dan Jones masterfully intertwines the personal and political upheavals of the Plantagenet dynasty, painting a vivid picture of betrayal, power struggles, and the relentless pursuit of revenge. As Richard II tightens his grip on power, the loyalties within the Plantagenet family are tested, leading to tragic consequences that reshape the course of English history.

“Bolingbroke plays it cool. God forbid, he says, and tells Mowbray that the King has sworn to be a good lord to him.”
— Dan Jones [21:30]

Next Episode Tease:
Bolingbroke's decision in the face of Mowbray’s warning promises to delve deeper into the treacherous landscape of Plantagenet politics, where trust is a rare commodity and survival depends on cunning and allegiance.

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