2-376-539 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

King Richard II stops the duel between the Dukes of Hereford and Norfolk, 1398 (1864). Thomas de Mowbray (1366-1399), 1st Duke of Norfolk, and Henry Bolingbroke (c1366-1413), 1st Duke of Hereford, were two of the Lords Appellant who deposed many of the King's favourites and seized effective power in England after a rebellion in 1387. With the assistance of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, Richard (1367-1400) gradually reasserted his power and was able to destroy the influence of the Lords Appellant in 1397. Norfolk spoke of taking revenge against the King in a conversation to Hereford and word reached Richard. Norfolk claimed that Hereford was a liar and challenged him to a combat. Hereford was sentenced to 10 years exile and Norfolk was banished for life. Hereford returned to England in 1399 however and deposed Richard, claiming the throne as Henry IV.