HOW can you claim King Richard III as a Yorkie (August 21)? Born in Northamptonshire and educated in London and the Midlands, he first visited York when he was 15 or 16, halfway through his short life.
He probably spent more time in Bruges than in York and, until 1483, showed more interest in Barnard Castle and Middleham. Though he probably intended to be buried in the Minster, he ended up in a Leicester friary.
If occasional visits qualify a king to "fly the flag for this city" Edward II (born Caernarvon) and Charles I (born Dunferline) have as good a claim.
Guy Fawkes was indeed born and educated here and spent most of his 36 years in York, rather than Richard's six to eight weeks.
Neither of them are very creditable representatives of our city. Even George Hudson (born Howsham) did more for York.
Dr Ronald Butler,
Green Lane,
Acomb, York.
Updated: 10:17 Friday, August 30, 2002
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