The events of this play set in motion a decades-long struggle for the crown that continues in several more history plays. Henry Bolingbroke, cousin to Richard II, charges Thomas Mowbray with serious crimes, including the murder of the Duke of Gloucester. (Bolingbroke’s father, John of Gaunt, privately blames the king for Gloucester’s death.) Bolingbroke and Mowbray prepare for a trial by combat. At the last minute, the king halts the action and banishes both Bolingbroke and Mowbray. When John of Gaunt dies, Richard seizes his possessions to fund a war, dispossessing Bolingbroke. Bolingbroke returns to England, quickly gathering support. By the time Richard returns from Ireland, many of his former allies have joined Bolingbroke. Richard abdicates, yielding the crown to Bolingbroke. Richard is held at Pomfret Castle and Bolingbroke becomes King Henry IV. A murder plot against him is uncovered, but he is killed anyway.