In this edition of The Ricardian Podcast we explore the life and reign of the man who remains England's most contested and controversial king, Richard III. Who was he, what did he want to achieve and how did he become king?

In this episode we are joined by historian, Ricardian biographer and History Hit presenter Matt Lewis, the acclaimed novelist Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily and The King's Mother, and by a stalwart of the Richard III Society's research committee and book blogger, Kenneth Hillier.

Together they piece together the key chapters in the life of Richard Plantagenet – from his birth at Fotheringhay Castle on 2 October 1452 all the way to his accession to the throne in June 1483, leading up to death at the battle of Bosworth on 22 August 1485, aged just 32.

Did Richard ever expect to become king? Did he want to become king? What sort of man was he? The guests join presenter Alec Marsh to explore the life of one of history's most misunderstood monarchs, Richard III of England.

* The Ricardian Podcast is brought to you by the Richard III Society. Find out more about the Society at richardiii.net

In this episode of The Ricardian Podcast, presenter Alec Marsh invites guests Dr Joanna Laynesmith, Dr David Grummitt and Kenneth Hillier to name their candidates for the greatest Ricardian book of all time.

Which are the histories and biographies that have moved the dial most in our understanding of Richard III? Which are the books that have been most influential in shaping our thoughts about the last Plantagenet king of England and in helped define his reassessment?

In this episode Joanna, David and Kenneth discuss the merits of six books they have identified and confront the unenviable task of whittling the six down to just one: the greatest Ricardian read of all time...

The Ricardian Podcast is brought to you by the Richard III Society (www.richardiii.net)

In the latest edition of The Ricardian Podcast we are joined by historian, presenter and author Matthew Lewis and Wendy Moorhen, the former research officer of the Richard III Society, to discuss the extraordinary life of Maximilian I, the Austrian archduke and Holy Roman Emperor from 1508 to 1519.

One of the most powerful men in Europe, Maximilian sought to build up and expand the power of the House of Habsburg, but he also had direct links to the House of York through marriage and Richard III himself.

During his long career Maximilian also supported the efforts of at least two Yorkist claimants or pretenders to the throne of England – individuals identifying as the sons of Edward IV, the Princes in the Tower - following Henry Tudor's seizure the throne after the battle of Bosworth in 1485. How was Maximilian helping them and why was he helping them at all?

The Ricardian Podcast is presented by Alec Marsh and brought to you by the Richard III Society. You can find out more about the society at richardiii.net.