658 years ago today, on January 6, 1367 (December 6, 1366), King Richard II of England was born. Richard II (January 6, 1367-February 14, 1400) was King of England from 1377 to 1399. Son of Edward the Black Prince. He succeeded his grandfather to the throne, but the real power was controlled by his uncle John Gunter, Duke of Lancaster. Hate the Lancaster family for this reason. After taking over, he expelled his cousin Henry, Duke of Lancaster, and confiscated his territory. In 1399, Henry arrested the king during his expedition to Ireland and got Parliament to agree to depose Richard and succeed Henry. The Lancaster Dynasty began. Comment: Legend has it that Richard II was the inventor of the handkerchief ~