King Richard III of England - 15th Century Wax Seal Stamp – The Last Plantagenet King

Richard III Wax Seal Stamp – The Last Plantagenet King
(Richard III of England, 1452–1485; Latin: Ricardus Tertius; also known as Richard Plantagenet, Richard of Gloucester)

This Great Seal of the Realm is based on the heraldic arms used by King Richard III, the controversial and compelling final monarch of the House of Plantagenet. Known both as a devoted administrator and military commander, and as the tragic villain of Shakespeare's history plays, Richard’s legacy has divided historians for centuries.

Born Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester, he was the younger brother of King Edward IV, and loyal to the Yorkist cause during the Wars of the Roses. Following his brother's death in 1483, Richard was named Lord Protector for the young Edward V, but seized the throne himself, claiming the princes were illegitimate. His brief reign was marked by reforms to law, trade, and justice, as well as intense political opposition.

Richard's rule ended in tragedy at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, where he fought valiantly against the forces of Henry Tudor. He became the last English king to die in battle, ending both the Plantagenet dynasty and the Wars of the Roses. His death paved the way for the Tudor era.

The seal features Richard’s royal arms, including the quartered lions of England and fleurs-de-lis of France, symbols of power, legitimacy, and contested sovereignty. The king whose life and death continue to inspire debate, drama, and discovery, especially since the dramatic 2012 rediscovery of his remains beneath a Leicester car park.

⚔ "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" – William Shakespeare, Richard III