William Shakespeare : Richard II

Here I have gathered a series of links to either videos or images that will help you contextualize the play :

First, the virtual tour of Westminster Hall, on whose appearance Richard II had a lot of input, and where some major scenes of his life played out, such as his deposition.

Dunstable Swan Jewel The Dunstable Swan, from "Richard II's Treasure" online catalogue.

Next, to understand both Richard's artistic bent but also his extraordinary profligacy, have a look at this exhibition devoted to his Treasure, whose catalogue was recovered  in the 90's. It is quite astonishing.

 

The exhibition provided a short but comprehensive biography of the real King Richard II, which will help you put things in perspective (especially the feud between him and Bolingbroke).

 

Lastly, the proclamation of King Charles III gave you the opportunity to witness the pageantry and catch a glimpse of what's left over from the mediaeval tradition :

 

 

 

The Globe all-female production of 2019 :

 

 

 

The resignation scene shot in Westminster Hall :

 

And finally, a curio from today's political world :