We have learned many things about Richard III. We also know the mis-interpretations that surround him are lies and propaganda that we know to be untrue.

We know that Richard III began his life on October 2, 1452 at Fotheringhay Castle during the tumultuous times of the Wars of the Roses. The nobles and powerful families of his time fought with manipulation and at times killed with the sheer purpose of settling old scores and callousness.

As a child, Richard journeyed from the security of a residence that he knew to a new castle and territory. It is inconceivable for us with large families to imagine seeing an older brother for the first time at the age of seven. It is indescribable to comprehend the impact of shock and sorrow at learning that your father and brother have been viciously killed. It is beyond our understanding to know what fear is instilled in you as you are bundled up in the middle of a night, placed on a ship with another brother and be set out to sea with strangers to another country and wonder if you will ever see your mother again.

He returned to England and learned his older brother was now king. Soon afterwards, he was made Duke of Gloucester and was sent away to yet another part of England that he had never seen. He was sent two hundred miles away to the north of England. He heard a different dialect, learned a different way of living, and here body, soul and mind became one. Richard was now finally home.

While in the north, he learned what a young boy of his station needed to learn. He learned what loyalty meant and the price he would later pay to keep the loyalty he earnestly vowed to uphold. He also learned of betrayal and would know it his whole life.

He left this land that he felt such ease in to journey to his brother’s court where he felt unease and never felt at home. Loyalty called on him as he once again found himself at sea, with his brother, with his king. Loyalty called on him when he learned his young cousin whom he learned to love was bartered to a house that he knew was his enemy. Loyalty called on him when he lost a cousin he loved in battle.

He later returned north, not alone, but with the person who would be his life partner and with whom he felt complete, his wife, Lady Anne Neville. Together, they set up their household. Together, they worked to build their world and gain the respect of the people of the north. Without their knowledge, it would be a respect and love that sustains till this day.

Sorrow and tragedy faced him when his brother died but he could not have known that greater tragedies awaited him. Plot after plot tried him but he prevailed. The personal sorrows of the loss of a cherished son and beloved wife can tax the strength of any man, yet somehow, someway, Richard III held on.

On Bosworth Field, he held battle-axe and fought. Did he know that there would be other weapons that would attack him? Despite all of his military skills and knowledge, he could not have ever prepared himself for the onslaught that would later claim him.

Richard III did not lose only his life or his place as England’s King. He lost his honor, his humanity, his good name and reputation. He was not long in his grave when allegations against his deeds and his integrity began to swirl around him that at times we cannot separate the man from the myth that has been cruelly created.

New enemies approached in the guise of Tudor’s political campaign and the writings of a playwright. His humanity ceased and a fictional persona was born.

But as we approach this milestone, let us remember to discard the caricature that has been displayed before our eyes and remember to restore Richard III to the human being that he was. Richard had faults and no doubt struggled with his decisions. We question his actions striving to understand his decision process. We disagree with some and are perplexed with others thinking to ourselves, or almost to him, if only he had chosen a different path or reached a different decision; his life and the England might have been different.

But, it is equally important to accept the human faults, as it is to rejoice in his achievements. His ability to be a good administrator. His understanding of law that benefited the people of his country from all walks of life. His changes in the judicial system. His institution of the system of bail for those who stood accused of a crime. His integrity for striving to give peace to his country. His ability to turn the cheek and overlook the betrayals of his enemy. His inner strength in facing the loss of his child and wife. His piety in not always understanding the will of God but having enough faith and courage to accept his will.

Let us also remember the men who were unwavering in their loyalty to Richard because they understood then as we understand today, that he was an admirable and principled man. Let us hope that Richard and those who were with him, and are near to him, have requiem eternum et lux perpetua.