Attention time travellers with a taste for intrigue and tragedy: February 18, 1478, marks the infamous demise of George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, in the Tower of London. This dramatic event unfolds during the turbulent Wars of the Roses, offering a glimpse into betrayal, power struggles, and a rather peculiar execution method. Pack your sense of curiosity (and possibly your own bottle of Malmsey wine), and prepare for a week-long exploration of 15th-century London.
Day 1: Arrival in Medieval London
Destination: The Tower of London
Begin your journey at the iconic Tower of London, a fortress steeped in history and drama. Wander the cobbled courtyards and explore the chambers where George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, spent his final days. Take a guided tour to learn about the Tower’s role as a royal palace, prison, and execution site. Keep an ear out for whispers of court intrigue and accusations of treason.
Day 2: The Rise and Fall of Clarence
Destination: Westminster
Travel to Westminster to trace George’s journey from a trusted royal to a condemned traitor. As the younger brother of King Edward IV, George’s ambitions and shifting allegiances earned him both favor and infamy. Visit Westminster Abbey, where Plantagenet ancestors are interred, and imagine the weight of dynastic pressures that fueled his decisions.
Day 3: Courtly Life and Political Intrigue
Destination: The Palace of Westminster
Step into the halls of the Palace of Westminster, where decisions that shaped the Wars of the Roses were made. Attend a simulated council meeting and witness the tension between the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions. George’s betrayal of Edward IV—aligning with their brother, the treacherous Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick—sealed his tragic fate.
Day 4: Execution Day
Destination: The Tower of London’s Wakefield Tower
Return to the Tower to experience the grim atmosphere of George’s final moments. Legend has it that Clarence was executed by drowning in a butt of Malmsey wine—a tale as macabre as it is intriguing. Witness reenactments that explore the mystery surrounding his death. Was it poetic justice, a royal whim, or simply a fabricated rumor? You decide.
Day 5: The Legacy of the Wars of the Roses
Destination: Guildhall
Visit the historic Guildhall to learn about the wider context of the Wars of the Roses. Dive into the stories of power-hungry nobles, shifting alliances, and the eventual rise of the Tudor dynasty. Participate in a lecture about how George’s execution shaped the Plantagenet family’s fate and the balance of power in England.
Day 6: A Medieval Feast
Destination: The Banqueting Hall at Whitehall
Treat yourself to a medieval feast in honor of Clarence’s noble lineage. Savor roasted meats, spiced wine, and delicacies of the 15th century while minstrels and jesters entertain. Reflect on the stark contrast between the grandeur of courtly life and the grim realities of political downfall.
Day 7: Reflection and Farewell
Destination: St. Paul’s Cathedral
Conclude your journey with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral to light a candle for George Plantagenet. Reflect on the themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal that defined his life. Consider how his story fits into the larger tapestry of England’s tumultuous history.
Did You Know?
- A Wine-Soaked Legend: While drowning in Malmsey wine is the most famous version of Clarence’s death, contemporary accounts suggest his execution was more conventional.
- Family Feuds: George’s execution was ordered by his own brother, King Edward IV, showcasing the ruthlessness of Plantagenet politics.
- A Turbulent Life: Before his fall from grace, George served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and was once second in line to the throne.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Tread Carefully: Political alliances shift quickly in 15th-century England; avoid discussing loyalties too openly.
- Blend In: Wear period-appropriate attire to navigate the court and Tower without drawing suspicion.
- Study Your History: Brush up on the Wars of the Roses to fully appreciate the stakes of Clarence’s downfall.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of George Plantagenet’s life and times, check out these resources:
- Books:
- The Brothers York: A Royal Tragedy by Thomas Penn
- The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors by Dan Jones
- Websites:
- Tower of London History (www.hrp.org.uk)
- The Plantagenet Dynasty (www.englishhistory.net)
- Articles:
- The Curious Death of George, Duke of Clarence on History Extra
- Treason and Tragedy in the Wars of the Roses in The Guardian
A Tale of Ambition and Betrayal
London in February 1478 offers a dramatic window into the life and death of George Plantagenet. From the halls of power to the shadowed walls of the Tower, this journey through ambition, loyalty, and betrayal will leave you captivated. Pack your curiosity and a strong stomach for intrigue—the story of Clarence awaits.
