Today, we're diving into a captivating piece of history: the connection between Elizabeth of York and her uncle, Richard III. Elizabeth was born to King Edward IV and was part of a royal family embroiled in the fierce conflicts known as the Wars of the Roses. Richard III, her uncle, became king amidst this chaos, ruling with a mix of bravery and controversy. Now, let’s get into the juicy part—the rumors of a romance between them. One of the most cited pieces of evidence for this claim is something known as the "Croydon letter." This letter was supposedly a request from Elizabeth to the Duke of Norfolk for support in marrying Richard. However, there’s no solid proof to back up these romantic notions—just whispers of scandal. Richard was already married to Anne Neville and publicly stated he had no intention of marrying Elizabeth. It’s believed these rumors were likely fueled to damage her reputation, especially as Henry Tudor eyed her as a potential bride. Ultimately, these stories of romance have left an enduring mark, contributing to the fascinating tapestry of royal history that affected Elizabeth’s later marriage to Henry VII, bridging the gap between two rival houses.