Judith was the third-born child of Edward IV. As with her older sister, Susan, the king pretended "Richard" was a boy so the family could claim a clear line of succession. After her father's death in 1483, her uncle, Richard III, discovered that both his nephews were girls. To prevent scandal he declared them illegitimate and had them locked in the Tower of London. They later went to work under their other uncle "Clarrie" at The Kingmaker as waitresses. Meanwhile, Erimem was forced by Richard III to impersonate the imprisoned prince for two years. Richard III went on to take the place of William Shakespeare in 1597. His nieces pretended to be Shakespeare's daughters. (AUDIO: The Kingmaker)
Behind the scenes
- Richard and Judith Shakespeare are two real-world historical people.