Richmond, succeeded in defeating and slaying the usurper on
Bosworth Field, in 1485, when Henry was crowned on the battle-field.

Richard was buried at Leicester; but during the reign of Henry VIII.,
when the monasteries were destroyed, Richard's body was exhumed and his
stone coffin used for many years in that town as a horse-trough.

Shakespeare and the historians give an unpleasant impression regarding
Richard's personality; but this was done in the interests of the Tudors,
perhaps. He was highly intelligent, and if he had given less attention
to usurpation, would have been more popular.

Under the administrations of the houses of Lancaster and York serfdom
was abolished, as the slaves who were armed during the War of the Roses
would not submit again to slavery after they had fought for their
country.

Agriculture suffered, and some of the poor had to subsist upon acorns
and wild roots. During those days Whittington was thrice Lord Mayor of
London, though at first only a poor boy. Even in the land of lineage
this poor lad, with a cat and no other means of subsistence, won his way
to fame and fortune.

The manufacture of wool encouraged the growing of sheep, and, in 1455,
silk began to attract attention.

During his reign Richard had known what it was to need money, and the
rich merchants and pawnbrokers were familiar with his countenance when
he came after office hours to negotiate a small loan.

[Illustration: RICHARD HAS A CONFERENCE WITH THE MONEY-LENDER.]

Science spent a great deal of surplus energy experimenting on alchemy,
and the Philosopher's Stone, as well as the Elixir of Life, attracted
much attention; but, as neither of these commodities are now on the
market, it is presumed that they were never successful.

Printing may be regarded as the most valuable discovery during those
bloody years, showing that Peace hath her victories no less than War,
and from this art came the most powerful and implacable enemy to
Ignorance and its attendant crimes that Progress can call its own.

No two authors spelled alike at that time, however, and the literature
of the day was characterized by the most startling originality along
that line.

The drama began to bud, and the chief roles were taken by the clergy.
They acted Bible scenes interspersed with local witticisms, and often
turned away money.

Afterwards followed what were called Moral Plays, in which the bad man
always suffered intensely on a small sal