Richard II of England begins his reign as king at the age of 10, on June 22, 1377 following the death of his grandfather, Edward III. Richard was crowned in the Westminster Abbey on July 16, 1377. His reign was initially governed by councils and his uncles, most notably John of Gaunt.
Highlights of his reign:
- His early reign was marked by the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, during which he personally confronted rebel leaders.- Tensions with the nobility, resulting in the "Merciless Parliament" of 1388, which executed several of his favorites.- His later reign (1397–1399) was described as "tyrannical" leading to his deposition by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke (Henry IV), in 1399.- He died in captivity in early 1400, likely starved to death.