Today in History

February 18, 1478

The Duke is Drowned

Duke of Clarence is a title traditionally awarded to junior members of British royal families. The first, George Plantagenet, was the brother of kings Edward IV and Richard III. Never happy with his status, George plotted with a number of co-conspirators to overthrow Edward IV and take the crown. Finally, Edward had him imprisoned and tried for treason. He was condemned to die by the Lords of Parliament. Edward, loathe to execute his brother, allowed George to choose his own method of execution in a private setting. According to legend, on this date in 1478, the Duke of Clarence was drowned in a keg of Malmsey, a sweet wine from Greece of which he was particularly fond.

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