Deposition of Richard II
King Richard II is being formally deposed by Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV) in Westminster Hall, marking the end of his tyrannical rule and the beginning of the Lancastrian era. The Archbishop of
Setting
Westminster Hall, the grandest secular medieval hall in England, with its towering hammerbeam roof and vast open space. The hall is filled with nobility, clergy, and officials, all gathered for this historic moment. The stone walls are adorned with tapestries depicting royal and biblical scenes, and the high windows allow shafts of autumn light to pierce the interior.
Characters
Richard II
primary
A slender man in his early 30s, with delicate features, fair complexion, and shoulder-length golden hair that curls slightly. His piercing blue eyes, once filled with regal confidence, now hold a mix of defiance and despair. His posture, though still bearing traces of royal dignity, is weighed down by the gravity of his situation.
Henry Bolingbroke
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his early 30s with a strong, commanding presence. His face is angular with a prominent nose and piercing hazel eyes. His neatly trimmed beard and short brown hair show signs of graying at the temples, adding to his regal appearance. His hands are calloused from years of swordplay, and his stance exudes confidence.
Archbishop of Canterbury
secondary
A tall, gaunt man in his late fifties with a deeply lined face and piercing grey eyes that convey both wisdom and weariness. His thin lips are pressed together in a solemn line, and his high forehead is framed by thinning grey hair. His posture is upright, though slightly stooped from years of study and prayer.
Nobleman
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his early 40s, with a neatly trimmed beard and piercing blue eyes that reflect both intelligence and determination. His posture exudes confidence, and his strong jawline hints at his noble lineage.
Court Clerk
background
A middle-aged man of slight build, with a narrow face and close-cropped dark hair that is beginning to gray at the temples. His hands are ink-stained from years of diligent scribing, and his sharp eyes dart nervously between his parchment and the unfolding events. He has a pinched expression, as though constantly biting the inside of his cheek.
Dialog
Richard II
We are no king, yet still a soul divine. If this be God's will, then let His judgment fall upon those who dare raise hand against the Lord's anointed!
Henry Bolingbroke
The realm has spoken, cousin. Not I, but the weight of thy misrule compels this heavy duty. England's shield grows weary of bearing tyranny.
Richard II
Dost thou polish thy treachery with pretty words? The crown fits not thy brow, Bolingbroke—'tis but borrowed majesty that shall rust with time!
Archbishop of Canterbury
Peace, my lords. Let not this sacred hall echo with discord. The chronicle of this day shall be writ large—let it not be stained with unchristian wrath.
Henry Bolingbroke
By the relics of St. Edward and the blood royal we share, I vow to rule as the commons' voice demands—not by whim, but by the ancient laws our grandsires cherished.
Richard II
Mark well these honeyed oaths, my lords! Today's necessity becomes tomorrow's precedent—when next the wheel turns, pray recall whose hands first set it spinning!
Henry Bolingbroke
Enough. The council is concluded. Let the prisoner be conveyed to the Tower—gently, as befits his former station.