Lion TV has filmed a documentary about a breakthrough in the centuries-old Princes in the Tower mystery for Channel 5
Princes in the Tower: A Damning Discovery investigates the disappearance of the two Princes at the Tower of London in 1483.
Tim Thornton, Professor of History and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield will exclusively reveal to the documentary the first new evidence in generations.
Historian Tracy Borman, and history enthusiast, actor Jason Watkins, meet with Professor Thornton, who discloses that he has identified a prized possession of Edward V, the young Prince who had just become king, at the age of only 12.
The discovery, buried deep in a Register of Wills held at the National Archives, is the first reference found, in more than 500 years, to any physical item belonging to one of the Princes.
“After centuries of speculation and uncertainty about the fate of the princes in the Tower, we can now show that when Sir Thomas More accused Sir James Tyrell of responsibility for their deaths of the princes he was in touch with people who were part of the story, including Tyrell’s in-laws – and that they owned the young king’s chain,” said Professor Thornton, Professor of History and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield.
Tracy Borman, Historian and Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, and presenter, added:
“The fate of the Princes in the Tower is one of the most intriguing mysteries in the long history of this iconic fortress and palace. It continues to fascinate visitors today, more than 500 years after the princes disappeared. The story has long been of great interest to me personally: in fact, first learning about it at school was the reason I became a historian. Being able to walk in the footsteps of the characters involved whilst making this programme was a great privilege. And the fact that Professor Thornton’s discovery was brought to light during filming was hugely exciting. I will never forget seeing that will in the National Archives for the first time. It was a real shivers down the spine moment.”
The documentary is made by Lion Television, which is part of All3Media.
“The disappearance of the Princes in the Tower is one of the most famous whodunnits in the world,” said Sarah Sarkhel, Executive Producer, Lion Television.
“It’s quite incredible to think five hundred years later new evidence can still come to light, thanks to Professor Tim Thornton’s ground-breaking research. And to be filming when it was revealed was extraordinary – one of those once in a lifetime, spine tingling moments in television. Working with Professor Thornton, Historic Royal Palaces, the National Archives, and of course, Channel 5, and their commitment to history, has been very exciting for the whole production team.”
The show is on Channel 5 this week.
