The 16th of March proved a difficult day for King Richard III. His wife, Queen Anne Neville, lay upon her sick bed, less than a year after the loss of their only son, Prince Edward of Middleham. His wife was dying, he lost his son, and that pesky, exiled Henry Tudor threatened imminent invasion.
16 March 1485 proved to be Queen Anne Neville’s last day on earth. It was reported that on the day of her death, a sudden darkness overcame England. The birds stopped chirping and animals ran for refuge. The world came to a stop as the sun was completely covered for over four minutes. Chaos ensued. Was this a sign? A bad omen?
For Richard III, it certainly was- at least in hindsight. His wife was gone, his son was gone and the end of his life would come in five short months during the Battle of Bosworth, at the hands of Henry Tudor’s army.
For the Tudors, they saw this solar eclipse as a sign from God. The old Yorkist regime was being snuffed out, and as the sun reemerged from darkness, so would the Tudors. It was the dawn of a new era.
16 March 1485 proved to be Queen Anne Neville’s last day on earth. It was reported that on the day of her death, a sudden darkness overcame England. The birds stopped chirping and animals ran for refuge. The world came to a stop as the sun was completely covered for over four minutes. Chaos ensued. Was this a sign? A bad omen?
For Richard III, it certainly was- at least in hindsight. His wife was gone, his son was gone and the end of his life would come in five short months during the Battle of Bosworth, at the hands of Henry Tudor’s army.
For the Tudors, they saw this solar eclipse as a sign from God. The old Yorkist regime was being snuffed out, and as the sun reemerged from darkness, so would the Tudors. It was the dawn of a new era.
Happy viewing y’all! ☀️😎
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