Wem’s moment in Richard III!
Bordering Soulton to the west lies Lacon Hall, a place with a significant connection to English history, even catching the attention of William Shakespeare. In 1483, this location witnessed a dramatic act of betrayal during the Wars of the Roses.
Henry Stafford, the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, sought refuge there as his rebellion against King Richard III fell apart.
Facing a failing campaign and desertions in abysmal weather to the south of here, in the Severn Valley in Herefordshire, he disguised himself as a laborer and fled north.
He trusted Ralph Bannister, at Lacon, but Bannister betrayed him for a reward of £1,000. It is said he was hiding in a dirch when the final capture came.
Though not directly depicting the betrayal, William Shakespeare’s Richard III references these events:
Third Messenger
The news I have to tell your majesty
Is, that by sudden floods and fall of waters, Buckingham’s army is dispersed and scatter’d; And he himself wander’d away alone, No man knows whither.
KING RICHARD III
I cry thee mercy:
There is my purse to cure that blow of thine. Hath any well-advised friend proclaim’d
Reward to him that brings the traitor in?
– Richard III, William Shakespeare. Act 4, Scene 4
