Execution of George, Duke of Clarence

Political Context. George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, was the brother of Kings Edward IV and Richard III. He had previously switched sides between the Yorkist and Lancastrian houses. His relationship with Edward IV deteriorated following the death of his wife Isabel in 1476 and his subsequent conviction of a lady-in-waiting for her murder.

Alleged Treason. Clarence was accused of stirring up rebellion against Edward IV and using witchcraft to harm the king. A retainer, John Stacy, confessed under torture to imagining the king's death. These allegations formed the basis for the treason charges brought against the Duke.

Trial and Attainder. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, Clarence was tried for treason. He was not present during the proceedings; Edward IV personally prosecuted his brother. Parliament passed a bill of attainder declaring Clarence guilty of unnatural treasons, bypassing a standard trial in his presence.

Execution. Following his conviction, Clarence was privately executed at the Tower of London on 18 February 1478. Tradition suggests the execution took place in the Bowyer Tower and that he was drowned in a butt of malmsey wine, a detail that spread as rumor immediately after the event.