Richard II: The Ill-Fated King Who Suffered from a Serious Case of “Short Man Syndrome”

Richard II was an English monarch who ascended to the throne at the tender age of 10, following the death of his father, Edward the Black Prince. Despite his youthful age, Richard immediately started throwing his weight around, making bratty demands and belittling those around him. It became increasingly clear that he was suffering from a serious case of what modern psychologists might refer to as “short man syndrome.”

Richard’s constant need to prove himself led him to become an excessively flashy, flamboyant king. He insisted on wearing ostentatious clothing, spent exorbitant amounts of money on lavish banquets and tournaments, and threw temper tantrums when he didn’t get his way. Perhaps worst of all, he frequently retaliated against those who dared to question his authority.

As he grew older, Richard’s behavior only became more erratic. He alienated many of his advisors and courtiers, and his constant wars with France left the English treasury depleted. By the time he was in his late thirties, his unpopularity had reached a fever pitch. In 1399, Henry Bolingbroke (who would later become Henry IV) staged a coup and overthrew Richard, who was promptly thrown in the Tower of London.

Richard proved to be a thorn in Henry’s side during his years in captivity. He refused to abdicate the throne, continued to plot against Henry, and even attempted to escape (unsuccessfully, of course). Ultimately, he was murdered in his cell, likely at Henry’s behest, in 1400.

Despite his short reign and ignominious end, Richard II has gone down in history as one of England’s more colorful monarchs. His extravagant displays of regal power, coupled with his short stature and explosive temper, have earned him a reputation as one of the most flamboyant kings in English history. But while he may have been funny to observe from a distance, it’s safe to say that nobody wanted to be stuck in a room alone with him for very long.