Fall of George, Duke of Clarence

George, Duke of Clarence, had repeatedly challenged his elder brother Edward IV, first through his alliance with Warwick and later through disputes over land, inheritance and influence at court. Their relationship deteriorated sharply after the death of Clarence’s wife, Isabel Neville.

In 1477 Clarence was arrested after accusing the crown of judicial wrongdoing and encouraging claims that questioned Edward’s legitimacy. Parliament convicted him of treason, and he was executed privately in the Tower of London on 18 February 1478.

This context supports fiction about Yorkist court politics, royal propaganda, attainder, fraternal rivalry and the danger faced by nobles whose dynastic status made personal conflict a matter of state security.