Was Richard III a wicked and power hungry villain or a wise and benevolent king?
History has regarded him as a cruel and heartless monarch - but was he really? This quiz on some of Richard's acts as king may help you decide for yourself.
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Richard did not think that those accused of minor offences should be imprisoned before they had been tried, as had been the case previously
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Before Richard's reign the laws were written in Latin or French. Richard had the law translated into English and posted in public market places so that all of his subjects could understand it
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The size of a yard of cloth or a pound of beef varied between merchants. Richard standardised weights and measures so that all merchants had to sell the same sized goods
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Richard had the chantries pray for the souls of his family. He also founded colleges where priests could be educated so that even those in remote areas could have access to a learned priest
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Before Richard's reign people could pay to be given high offices. Richard believed that the best man should be given the job, regardless of his wealth or nobility
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Richard was aware of the harm corrupt officials could do to the poorest of his people. He had experienced many cases in his Ducal Council before he became king
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Richard decreed that members of a jury should have an income no less than 20 shillings a year. It was thought that those who were better off would be less open to being bribed
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Trade in books was not affected as Richard valued education and learning. He also promoted the fledgling print industry
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Richard brought in the first kind of legal aid providing support for those unable to afford lawyers. They were allowed to make direct petitions to the Royal Council
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Even the Tudors, Richard’s greatest enemies, recognised that he was both a great commander and a brave warrior
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