The Allure of Power

The main story of The Princes in the Tower is the story of the real-world corruption that is brought about by the lust for power. The Wars of the Roses, which arguably set of the Princes in the Tower conflict in the first place, was due to two royal houses, The York and Lancaster Houses, being unable to resolve their differences due to a desire to rule. Edward IV fought against Henry VI following his father's death, who himself had engaged in the same conflict. Edward IV spent his entire Kingship defending himself against potential threats, not the least of which included his former ally the Earl of Warwick and his brother Clarence. Edward IV's wife, Elizabeth Wydville, also sought after power, as did her entire family.

When Edward IV died, Richard of Gloucester sought to retain his right to be Lord Protector of Edward...