Propaganda and Richard III.

Richard showed a sound understanding of politics at this time producing powerful propaganda to explain and justify his assumption of the throne. The Act for the Settlement of the Crown upon Richard III painted a bleak picture of the state of the nation during the reign of Edward IV. 

It claimed that all political rule had been subverted and that the laws of God and the laws of nature had been broken by Edward IV. Richard claimed that the cause of this terrible behavior was Edward IV's 'pretended' and 'unlawful' marriage to Elizabeth Woodville. 

The act thus concluded that the outcome of the marriage (the children) had been bastards and were this unstable to inherit the crown fo England.

Richard III further justified his usurpation by claiming that under Edward IV poor people had oppressed through his use of benevolences. 

This propaganda may have been heavy handed and may not have been entirely convincing but it does show that Richard appreciated the need for a powerful justification for his assumption of power.

Richard appreciated the propaganda value of ceremonial. His coronation was lavish and he made ceremonial entrances and feasts in several towns including York and Reading. 

The inclusion of London dignitaries at feasts at the White Tower in London showed Richard's political skill and understanding. After all these dignitaries were important moneylenders to the Crown.

 Richard also proved as active as his brother Edward IV in making royal progresses throughout his realm in 1483 and 1484. He made his way through Reading, Oxford, Gloucester, Nottingham and York. These progresses helped minimise political tension and encourage loyalty to the Crown.