Bolingbroke, York, and Northumberland assemble before Bristol castle. Bushy and Greene, two of the king’s supporters, are brought out. Bolingbroke lists the crimes they have been party to, like the seizing of Bolingbroke’s land, and he condemns them to execution.

Richard, Aumerle (York’s son) and the Bishop of Carlisle land at Barkloughly, in Wales. Richard is defiant and expects to defeat the rebellion. Aumerle warns that Bolingbroke is growing in power and strength. Richard rebukes him for being disheartening, and again expresses his confidence that, as the king anointed by God, he will prevail. Then, Salisbury enters with the bad news that the band of Welshmen have either joined Bolingbroke or fled. Richard is shaken by this news but quickly recovers his poise. He believes that York has sufficient forces to ensure his triumph.

Sir Stephen Scroope enters with more bad news: Bolingbroke is acquiring large numbers of new followers across the land, and the situation for Richard is dire. When Richard enquires about his loyal supporters, Scroope tells him that Bushy and Greene have been executed. Richard plunges into despair, knowing that he will lose his crown and Bolingbroke will control everything. He speaks only about death.