Richard III was the King of England from 1483 until his death in 1485. He was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. Richard III is a controversial figure in history, often depicted as a villain due to his alleged involvement in the disappearance of his nephews, the "Princes in the Tower." His reign was marked by political unrest and ended with his defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field, where he was killed. His life and reign have been the subject of much historical debate and literary interpretation, including the famous play by William Shakespeare.