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War of the Roses How did York seize the throne? Explain the possible factors and justify the most important one in detail

War of the Roses How did York seize the throne? Explain the possible factors and justify the most important one in detail

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Context: War of the Roses How did York seize the throne? Explain the possible factors and justify the most important one in detail
had evil Jou he ent ke da side 1 What were the results of Margaret's actions? In taking the extreme step of disinheriting the heirs, Margaret left the Yorkists with nothing to lose. It is likely that at this point York began to see himself not so much as the rightful chief adviser or even the controller of Henry VI, but his replacement. In punishing the Yorkists harshly, Margaret may well have turned York into that enemy she had long styled him as: a man who was determined to deprive her son of his inheritance. After all, was that not exactly what she had just done to Edward, Earl of March, York's heir? From York's point of view, he had learned that having control of Henry VI was not enough, not when he was only periodically mentally ill and requiring a protectorate. For when healthy, he had taken back control of government, as was his right as king, and then returned to power those whom York had replaced, with York being nudged to the periphery once more. How else was York to regain power and protect his family and supporters if it were not by making himself king? A protectorate could only last as long as the mental illness remained and in Henry VI's case, no one knew how long that would be. The extremeness of Margaret's punishment of the Yorkists appalled not only her victims, but also those members of the nobility who had no strong affiliation one way or the other. These were the men who had held the middle ground between York and Margaret, wanting to see a government united behind the King. Many had not wanted to take sides but had been persuaded into the Queen's camp by what they perceived as the disgraceful actions of the Earl of Warwick in refusing to obey direct orders and by the fact that in supporting the Queen they were not going against the King. These men now felt that in breaking the laws of inheritance, Margaret was going too far and so they now felt more drawn to support York. The harshness of the Parliament of Devils, rather than sealing the destruction of the Yorkist cause, served to resuscitate it. When Warwick, Salisbury and March landed in Kent in June 1460, many of the men of Kent, noblemen included, rose in support of them, and on 2 July the city of London opened its gates to them before they left to meet the King at the battle of Northampton on 10 July 1460. he tha at me th ing -he fa War and the defeat of Richard, Duke of York Source M The Lancastrian-dominated Coventry Parliament in November 1459 (the 'Parliament of Devils') draws up treason charges against Richard Duke of York. When Richard was in Ireland as your lieutenant there, Jack Cade, your great traitor, led a large insurrection in Kent in 1450. Some of his supporters, when on the point of death, confessed their true intentions and on whose behalf they had acted. They intended to have raised the Duke of York, against all reason, law and truth, to the crown of England, which God has ordained that you and your successors should bear. Indictment of Richard of York, 1459. Why had York triumphed by 1460? After the rout at Ludford Bridge in October 1459, it looked as if it was all over for the Duke of York and his allies and yet a year later he was acknowledged heir to the throne of England. How had he been able to turn his fortunes around? Margaret of Anjou Firstly, some of the responsibility for this change in fortune must be given to Queen Margaret and her Parliament of Devils for increasing nobles' sympathy for the Duke of York and alienating the nobility from her own cause with her Activity Read Source M. Why do you think the Indictment contained reference to Cade's Rebellion of 1450? 69
Transcribed Image Text:had evil Jou he ent ke da side 1 What were the results of Margaret's actions? In taking the extreme step of disinheriting the heirs, Margaret left the Yorkists with nothing to lose. It is likely that at this point York began to see himself not so much as the rightful chief adviser or even the controller of Henry VI, but his replacement. In punishing the Yorkists harshly, Margaret may well have turned York into that enemy she had long styled him as: a man who was determined to deprive her son of his inheritance. After all, was that not exactly what she had just done to Edward, Earl of March, York's heir? From York's point of view, he had learned that having control of Henry VI was not enough, not when he was only periodically mentally ill and requiring a protectorate. For when healthy, he had taken back control of government, as was his right as king, and then returned to power those whom York had replaced, with York being nudged to the periphery once more. How else was York to regain power and protect his family and supporters if it were not by making himself king? A protectorate could only last as long as the mental illness remained and in Henry VI's case, no one knew how long that would be. The extremeness of Margaret's punishment of the Yorkists appalled not only her victims, but also those members of the nobility who had no strong affiliation one way or the other. These were the men who had held the middle ground between York and Margaret, wanting to see a government united behind the King. Many had not wanted to take sides but had been persuaded into the Queen's camp by what they perceived as the disgraceful actions of the Earl of Warwick in refusing to obey direct orders and by the fact that in supporting the Queen they were not going against the King. These men now felt that in breaking the laws of inheritance, Margaret was going too far and so they now felt more drawn to support York. The harshness of the Parliament of Devils, rather than sealing the destruction of the Yorkist cause, served to resuscitate it. When Warwick, Salisbury and March landed in Kent in June 1460, many of the men of Kent, noblemen included, rose in support of them, and on 2 July the city of London opened its gates to them before they left to meet the King at the battle of Northampton on 10 July 1460. he tha at me th ing -he fa War and the defeat of Richard, Duke of York Source M The Lancastrian-dominated Coventry Parliament in November 1459 (the 'Parliament of Devils') draws up treason charges against Richard Duke of York. When Richard was in Ireland as your lieutenant there, Jack Cade, your great traitor, led a large insurrection in Kent in 1450. Some of his supporters, when on the point of death, confessed their true intentions and on whose behalf they had acted. They intended to have raised the Duke of York, against all reason, law and truth, to the crown of England, which God has ordained that you and your successors should bear. Indictment of Richard of York, 1459. Why had York triumphed by 1460? After the rout at Ludford Bridge in October 1459, it looked as if it was all over for the Duke of York and his allies and yet a year later he was acknowledged heir to the throne of England. How had he been able to turn his fortunes around? Margaret of Anjou Firstly, some of the responsibility for this change in fortune must be given to Queen Margaret and her Parliament of Devils for increasing nobles' sympathy for the Duke of York and alienating the nobility from her own cause with her Activity Read Source M. Why do you think the Indictment contained reference to Cade's Rebellion of 1450? 69
Enquiry topic: Wars of the Roses 1445-1461 when it became clear that he had set himself up in Ireland and was acting as harshness. Margaret can also be criticised for not taking action against York if he ruled the area. The Earl of Wiltshire had been appointed Lieutenant of Ireland in December 1459 and yet nothing was being done to enable him to take up his post in replacement of York. Margaret could and perhaps should have brought pressure to bear on York, but for some reason she did not allowing him to lick his wounds and plot his return to England at leisure. It was not, however, the Duke of York who was to make the first move against the Lancastrians, but the Earl of Warwick. The Earl of Warwick The Earl of Warwick has gone down in history as 'the Kingmaker' and yet we have seen very little thus far for him to have warranted this name. He had gained some credit for his success at St Albans (1455) and as Captain of Calais he had been respected and admired, all the more so for taking up piracy in order to cover the shortfall in money coming from England to p the garrison wages. His part in transforming Yorkist fortunes in 1460 was, however, crucial Warwick had been replaced by the Duke of Somerset as Captain of Calais before the Battle of Ludford Bridge, but when Somerset had tried to take up his position after the battle, his ships had been fired upon on the orders of Warwick who was not about to give up his position. Somerset continued to try to take Calais but failed. Warwick was kept informed of Somerset's actions by supporters in Kent and was made aware of a large fleet of ships being made ready at Sandwich to attack Calais once more. Catching the Lancastrians completely unawares, many of whom were still in bed, Warwick captured the fleet and took it to Calais. In March Warwick went to Ireland for two months to confer with York, which should have provided the ancastrians with the opportunity o capture Calais, but they lacked the money and the strength to do so and Warwick was able to return unhindered. Warwick's next move was to begin the Yorkist invasion by capturing the town of Sandwich in June 1460 and from there to advance on London via Canterbury, all the time declaring that they sought only to rescue Henry VI from his evil advisers. Instead of facing opposition, those who should have stopped the Yorkists, for example Lord Cobham, decided to support them. The London authorities had originally decided not to let the Yorkists in, but when they arrived, any sense of resistance disappeared and Warwick gained admittance. The Yorkist side was growing all the time as more and more peers joined them and once word of Henry VI's whereabouts at Northampton reached them, they headed north. Warwick had got the Yorkists into a position whereby they were strong enough to meet the Lancastrians once more in battle nine months after the rout at Ludford. The Battle of Northampton, 10 July 1460 On the morning of 10 July 1460, the Yorkists reached Northampton led by Warwick and March. They attempted to negotiate with the Lancastrians but Buckingham, acting on the King's behalf, rejected their request. The Yorkists triumphed at Northampton despite the Lancastrians having had time to set up a strong defensive position, because heavy rainfall meant that the Lancastrian guns failed to fire. Added to this, Lord Grey of Ruthin, a Lancastrian, had secretly defected to the Yorkist side. Warwick knew of the defection and had ordered his men not to attack those wearing Grey's badge as they in advance were going to help them gain access to the Lancastrian encampment. Grey's defection gave the Lancastrians no time to react. His men had formed the front line of the Lancastrian defence and the loss of them to the Yorkist side proved decisive. Buckingham, Shrewsbury, Egremont and Beaumont died guarding War and the defeat of Richard, Duke of York the King's tent. Queen Margaret and Prince Edward escaped to Wales, finding refuge at Harlech Castle, but Henry VI was captured. They continued to proclaim their loyalty to the King and Warwick took over On 16 July 1460, the Yorkists re-entered London taking Henry VI with them. the running of government on Henry's behalf replacing the 'corrupt and evil counsellors' with York men. To the people of the south-east, Warwick had fulfilled what he had said all along he was going to do. His actions validated their support. The Duke of York returns The Duke of York did not return to England until 8 September 1460 and when he did so, it was clear that things had changed. For the first time he marched under the royal banner, had his sword carried upright before him like the sword of state and on arriving at Westminster marched up to the throne and placed his hand on it as a sign of possession. He then turned to the assembled lords, which included many of his own supporters. He expected applause but none came. The Archbishop of Canterbury broke the silence by asking if he would like to see the King. Humiliated and furious, York stormed out. He had overplayed his hand. Having gone thus far, York could not now back down and he formally claimed the throne six days later in the high court of parliament. The lords had to make a judgment. On 24 October 1460, the Act of Accord was passed. Source N The Act of Accord, 24 October 1460, passed after the Yorkist victory at Northampton making Richard, Duke of York, Henry VI's heir. ......... Richard Duke of York, desiring the peace and prosperity of this land shall take, worship and honour Henry for his sovereign lord. It is agreed that Richard Duke of York be called henceforth very and rightful heir to the Crowns and after the death of Henry, the Duke and his heirs, shall immediately succeed to the said crowns. Parliamentary Rolls, 1460. To consider Richard, Duke of York, was ten years older than Henry VI. Do you think this would make a difference to how he felt about the Act of Accord? How do you think Margaret of Anjou would have felt about the Act? York was now heir to the throne but had he really triumphed by 1460? Activity 1 What can we learn from Source N about what parliament hoped to achieve in passing the Act of Accord? How did Edward IV become king in 1461? By the 1460 Act of Accord, Richard, Duke of York, was to become king after Henry VI and yet circumstances meant that this was never to occur. Although Henry VI lost the throne in 1461, it was to be York's son, Edward, who was to rule and not Richard, Duke of York. While York was busy trying to come to an agreement over the settlement that was to be the Act of Accord, Margaret of Anjou was gathering an army in the north. It was now her turn to attract the sympathy of those who were opposed to the disinheriting of sons. She was joined in the north by the Earl of Devon and the Duke of Somerset. Attempts by the Yorkist-dominated government to deal with this military threat were ignored by those who controlled the north, Northumberland and Clifford, who were in fact busying themselves attacking York and Neville properties there. In early December 1460, York, Salisbury and Rutland headed north to try to deal with the problems there. They spent Christmas at Sandal castle near Wakefield, but while out hunting on 30 December 1460 they were set upon by a much larger Lancastrian force and defeated. York, Rutland and Salisbury were killed. The Lancastrians had been led by Northumberland, Somerset and Clifford. The sons of the men killed at St Albans in 1455 had got their revenge. In a twist of the knife, the Duke of York's head was put on display in York adorned with a paper crown. The death of York meant that Edward, Earl of March, as the oldest son was now the Duke of York, and along with that title he inherited his father's cause. 2 Look at Sources L (page 68), M (page 69) and N. In what way was the Act of Accord 1460 similar to the Act of Attainder of the Yorkist leaders in 1459? 71
Transcribed Image Text:Enquiry topic: Wars of the Roses 1445-1461 when it became clear that he had set himself up in Ireland and was acting as harshness. Margaret can also be criticised for not taking action against York if he ruled the area. The Earl of Wiltshire had been appointed Lieutenant of Ireland in December 1459 and yet nothing was being done to enable him to take up his post in replacement of York. Margaret could and perhaps should have brought pressure to bear on York, but for some reason she did not allowing him to lick his wounds and plot his return to England at leisure. It was not, however, the Duke of York who was to make the first move against the Lancastrians, but the Earl of Warwick. The Earl of Warwick The Earl of Warwick has gone down in history as 'the Kingmaker' and yet we have seen very little thus far for him to have warranted this name. He had gained some credit for his success at St Albans (1455) and as Captain of Calais he had been respected and admired, all the more so for taking up piracy in order to cover the shortfall in money coming from England to p the garrison wages. His part in transforming Yorkist fortunes in 1460 was, however, crucial Warwick had been replaced by the Duke of Somerset as Captain of Calais before the Battle of Ludford Bridge, but when Somerset had tried to take up his position after the battle, his ships had been fired upon on the orders of Warwick who was not about to give up his position. Somerset continued to try to take Calais but failed. Warwick was kept informed of Somerset's actions by supporters in Kent and was made aware of a large fleet of ships being made ready at Sandwich to attack Calais once more. Catching the Lancastrians completely unawares, many of whom were still in bed, Warwick captured the fleet and took it to Calais. In March Warwick went to Ireland for two months to confer with York, which should have provided the ancastrians with the opportunity o capture Calais, but they lacked the money and the strength to do so and Warwick was able to return unhindered. Warwick's next move was to begin the Yorkist invasion by capturing the town of Sandwich in June 1460 and from there to advance on London via Canterbury, all the time declaring that they sought only to rescue Henry VI from his evil advisers. Instead of facing opposition, those who should have stopped the Yorkists, for example Lord Cobham, decided to support them. The London authorities had originally decided not to let the Yorkists in, but when they arrived, any sense of resistance disappeared and Warwick gained admittance. The Yorkist side was growing all the time as more and more peers joined them and once word of Henry VI's whereabouts at Northampton reached them, they headed north. Warwick had got the Yorkists into a position whereby they were strong enough to meet the Lancastrians once more in battle nine months after the rout at Ludford. The Battle of Northampton, 10 July 1460 On the morning of 10 July 1460, the Yorkists reached Northampton led by Warwick and March. They attempted to negotiate with the Lancastrians but Buckingham, acting on the King's behalf, rejected their request. The Yorkists triumphed at Northampton despite the Lancastrians having had time to set up a strong defensive position, because heavy rainfall meant that the Lancastrian guns failed to fire. Added to this, Lord Grey of Ruthin, a Lancastrian, had secretly defected to the Yorkist side. Warwick knew of the defection and had ordered his men not to attack those wearing Grey's badge as they in advance were going to help them gain access to the Lancastrian encampment. Grey's defection gave the Lancastrians no time to react. His men had formed the front line of the Lancastrian defence and the loss of them to the Yorkist side proved decisive. Buckingham, Shrewsbury, Egremont and Beaumont died guarding War and the defeat of Richard, Duke of York the King's tent. Queen Margaret and Prince Edward escaped to Wales, finding refuge at Harlech Castle, but Henry VI was captured. They continued to proclaim their loyalty to the King and Warwick took over On 16 July 1460, the Yorkists re-entered London taking Henry VI with them. the running of government on Henry's behalf replacing the 'corrupt and evil counsellors' with York men. To the people of the south-east, Warwick had fulfilled what he had said all along he was going to do. His actions validated their support. The Duke of York returns The Duke of York did not return to England until 8 September 1460 and when he did so, it was clear that things had changed. For the first time he marched under the royal banner, had his sword carried upright before him like the sword of state and on arriving at Westminster marched up to the throne and placed his hand on it as a sign of possession. He then turned to the assembled lords, which included many of his own supporters. He expected applause but none came. The Archbishop of Canterbury broke the silence by asking if he would like to see the King. Humiliated and furious, York stormed out. He had overplayed his hand. Having gone thus far, York could not now back down and he formally claimed the throne six days later in the high court of parliament. The lords had to make a judgment. On 24 October 1460, the Act of Accord was passed. Source N The Act of Accord, 24 October 1460, passed after the Yorkist victory at Northampton making Richard, Duke of York, Henry VI's heir. ......... Richard Duke of York, desiring the peace and prosperity of this land shall take, worship and honour Henry for his sovereign lord. It is agreed that Richard Duke of York be called henceforth very and rightful heir to the Crowns and after the death of Henry, the Duke and his heirs, shall immediately succeed to the said crowns. Parliamentary Rolls, 1460. To consider Richard, Duke of York, was ten years older than Henry VI. Do you think this would make a difference to how he felt about the Act of Accord? How do you think Margaret of Anjou would have felt about the Act? York was now heir to the throne but had he really triumphed by 1460? Activity 1 What can we learn from Source N about what parliament hoped to achieve in passing the Act of Accord? How did Edward IV become king in 1461? By the 1460 Act of Accord, Richard, Duke of York, was to become king after Henry VI and yet circumstances meant that this was never to occur. Although Henry VI lost the throne in 1461, it was to be York's son, Edward, who was to rule and not Richard, Duke of York. While York was busy trying to come to an agreement over the settlement that was to be the Act of Accord, Margaret of Anjou was gathering an army in the north. It was now her turn to attract the sympathy of those who were opposed to the disinheriting of sons. She was joined in the north by the Earl of Devon and the Duke of Somerset. Attempts by the Yorkist-dominated government to deal with this military threat were ignored by those who controlled the north, Northumberland and Clifford, who were in fact busying themselves attacking York and Neville properties there. In early December 1460, York, Salisbury and Rutland headed north to try to deal with the problems there. They spent Christmas at Sandal castle near Wakefield, but while out hunting on 30 December 1460 they were set upon by a much larger Lancastrian force and defeated. York, Rutland and Salisbury were killed. The Lancastrians had been led by Northumberland, Somerset and Clifford. The sons of the men killed at St Albans in 1455 had got their revenge. In a twist of the knife, the Duke of York's head was put on display in York adorned with a paper crown. The death of York meant that Edward, Earl of March, as the oldest son was now the Duke of York, and along with that title he inherited his father's cause. 2 Look at Sources L (page 68), M (page 69) and N. In what way was the Act of Accord 1460 similar to the Act of Attainder of the Yorkist leaders in 1459? 71
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