What is the truth about the execution of Lord Hastings?
It was a time of great political tension with many changes of allegiances and much jockeying for power. Hastings loyalty was solely to the young king. He was also no doubt concerned at the rising influence of the duke of Buckingham which could have led to a reduction in his own status. Once Hastings learned that Richard may have had ambitions towards the crown perhaps because he was sounded out or because he already knew of the complications of the pre-contract between King Edward IV and Lady Eleanor Butler or he came to believe Richard was determined to be king Hastings would have taken action and by default Richard became his enemy. Richard accused Hastings of plotting against him and wrote letters asking for assistance. Whilst this is usually dismissed as insufficient evidence of conspiracy, Richards actions after Hastings execution further arrests and the implementation of a thorough investigation indicates that Richard believed in the complicity of Hastings in a plot against him.
