2-501-193 - The London Archives (City of London)/Heritage Images

Scene outside the Tower of London, depicting the beheading of Lord Hastings, 1483 (c1850). William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings (c1431-1483) was one of the most powerful figures in England during the reign of Edward IV. After Edward's death, Hastings was seen by Richard III as a threat to his rule, due to his having allied himself with Edward's widow, Elizabeth of Woodville, and their two sons (the Princes in the Tower). Although Hastings was too astute to challenge Richard directly the king had him beheaded in the courtyard of the Tower of London, the first recorded execution at the Tower.