L3b-Ex7

the princes in the tower. One of the greatest mysteries in British history,

Edward and Richard were the sons of Edward IV, King of England. Soon after their

father's death, in April 1483, twelve -year -old Edward and his younger brother

disappeared. Their uncle also named Richard, arrested his nephews and took them

to the Tower of London. In July 1483, this man became King Richard III. At first,

people saw the princes regularly as they were playing in the tower gardens. But

after June 1483, no one ever saw the boys again. Many people believe that

someone murdered them. There is no definite evidence that anyone murdered

the princes. But who were the suspects? Richard III. Reason? To become King, he

needed the princes to disappear. Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Reason? He

was following the orders of his king. The princes mother, Elizabeth Woodville,

refused to listen to the stories. Until the day of her death, she believed that

her sons were living somewhere safe in another country. A good detective should

keep an open mind. So think about this. All we know for sure is that the princes

disappeared in mid -1483. There are three possible explanations for their

disappearance. One, someone murdered them. Two, they died of illness or accident.

Three, they escaped from the tower and went abroad to be safe from their uncle. The

will. That is why the story of the princes in the tower is one of the most famous

unsolved crimes of all time.