WOTR - Henry VI

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He had died at 34, remembered as one of England’s most successful kings, from conquering French lands and being recognised as heir to the French throne.

Beginning under EIII, with the greatest conquest occuring under Henry V, achieving French land such as Normandy.

They were angry that he didn’t give many titles/patronage out, and retaliated by having private armies. Duke of Suffolk was blamed and targetted for being friends with HVI, and had to be exiled for HVI’s safety.

There had been a European struggle between the King and Pope for control of the Church, but by the 1400s, the King had control and could use the ‘Statue of Provisors‘ to stop the Pope appointing who he wanted. or the ‘Statute of Praemunire’ to stop people appealing to the pope.

The King sought advice from his council which was made up of nobles, judges and churchmen. Nobles hated feeling excluded from court and giving advice. The Royal Household was at the centre of the court and were in charge of feeding/clothing/entertaining the King. The King could summon and dissolve parliament whenever he liked, but it was usually when he needed money (eg. war)

He was extremely religious and seemed kind, however he seemed weak and unfit for the role - whilst people liked him, they doubted how well he could rule.

The losses in Normandy during the war, his poor military leadership, his large surmounting debts,, the fact he relied on favourites in the government, he was a bad judge of character (such as when he was lent money from Cardinal Beauford, who he thought was a friend but really just wanted a means to control him), and his marriage to MoA made him seem weak as she was so strong.

£370,000 (£38,000 just to RDOY)

It fell from £120,000 to £45,000.

He was HVIs chief advisor and Lord Chamberlain in 1447, and dominated the government. He wasn’t a major landowner but he was one of the Kings favourites so he was still powerful. Some thought him a hero as he supported a weak king and tried to keep the government going, though others despised him and accused him of taking advantage of the king and giving himself land and titles, mismanaging royal funds and sleeping with MoA.

Henry Vs younger brother, but wasn’t the closest blood relative to take throne. He didn’t agree with a lot of HVIs policies. He was arrested for treason in 1447, then died days later, supposedly of a stroke but some suspect murder.

He was the greatest landowner in the country, a descendant of Edward III. He believed he should be HVIs right hand man and was jealous of other nobles and felt snubbed by HVI.

Beauford became Duke of Somerset in 1448, and was Commander of France in the 1430s. He had lent £200,000 to HVI and was a major player in the 100 years war. The Beauford’s were known as the ‘illegitimate Lancastrian line’ and were descendants of Edward III.

Both were powerful landowners, obsessed with land and power. They wanted to extend their positions for their heirs.

He was murdered after his exile, allegedly beheaded by pirates on a boat. His body was found on a beach in Dover.

Henry gave far too much to his favourite members of his household.

An Act of Resumption was passed in 1450 to reverse some of HVIs gifts and grants. However, this was unsuccessful as HVI kept making ‘exceptions’ for his favourites. A further Act of Resumption had to be passed in 1451 to reclaim more royal property.

1421: £40,677

1448: £28,000

Over a £10,000 drop.

in 1447, which was an issue because Beauford was HVIs main lender.

Burgundy, who had previously been allied with Henry V allied with the new French King, Charles VII. English debts were increasing and in the 1440s English commanders were unpaid and crown lands were sold for campaigns. In 1440, RDOY was made lieutenant in France, however due to Henry’s poor leadership, Somerset led a campaign in 1442 without RDOYs knowledge, taking money and men and contributing to the failures at Dieppe.

By 1444, England wanted peace but didn’t want to give up their claim to the French throne. The Treaty of Tours saw Suffolk negotiate a marriage between MoA and HVI, and England to surrender Maine to France. However, this truce was broken when England seized Fougeres, where France responded by attacking Normandy. The loss of Normandy can be blamed on Somersets incompetence.

It led to a violent reaction in England with Suffolk and his faction/supporters blamed. This led to the murder of the Bishop of Chichester in Jan 1450, the treason, exile and murder of Suffold in Feb 1450 and the murder of the Bishop of Chichester in June 1450.

People saw HVI as incapable, and that his wife had full control of him. The Pope also didn’t support HVI.

In May 1450, Jack Cade started a rebellion in Kent, which made it to London by 1st June, with 46,000 people. The uprising started as the people of Kent were worried they would be blamed for Suffolks murder as he was found on a Kent beach. There was also complaints about tax increases, unfair justice, HVI’s evil advisors mismanaging govt. They wanted political reform and thought RDOY should advise HVI. HVI came London with 10,000 men, but Cade’s army pretended to retreat and then ambushed the troops. HVI fled whilst Cade took over London, murdering Bishop of Salisbury. MoA promised the rebels a pardon if they left after 4 days of pillaging London. They left slowly, attacking things on the way. Cade was murdered and parts of his body were sent to Blackheath, Salisbury, Norwich and Gloucester as a warning.

In 1447. He was angry he had been replaced by Somerset as Leutenant of France. He missed Suffolk’s murder, Cades Rebellion and the loss of Normandy whilst in Ireland. Many saw his being sent to Ireland as an exile of sorts from HVI. MoA hated him, HVI thought he was selfish.

He returned in 1450, without HVIs permission and with a strengthened military entourage.

Why may he have returned?

To clear his name - there was rumours he was involved in Cade’s rebellion as Cade used York’s mothers maiden name, ‘Mortimer’, and the rebels wanted York to advise HVI.

He wanted his loans repaid - he was owed £26,000 and hadn’t been paid for being Lieutenant of Ireland.

To remove Somerset - He was furious Somerset was chief advisor, and thought he should be since he was the senior nobleman. He returned to protect his position as heir presumptive.

To bring justice/end corruption - York publicly called for the traitors of the King to be brought to justice, and offered his loyalty to the crown.

He wanted to take the throne - some saw York as a replacement for HVI on the throne, but nothing RDOY does suggests this was his intention with this move. He proclaimed loyalty to HVI and Cade’s rebels didn’t want RDOY as king.

in 1452, York gathered William Courtenay, Earl of Devon and Lord Cobham to march to London. No other nobles were willing to support York as they had seen the response to Cade’s rebellion. RDOY issues propaganda and statements that clearly said he was loyal to the King and only had issues with those around the King. York reached Dartford and found the King with a strong army that included Buckingham, Salisbury and Warwick, who had previously supported York. York submitted to the King, and told him his requests, but HVI stayed loyal to Somerset. York forcibly swore an oath of loyalty and allegiance to the King and swore to never use power over him again. He failed to remove Somerset and become Chief Councilor. York was isolated from court for 18 months whilst Henry seemed capable and ready to lead his own government.

He felt insecure with his power, Somerset had become Chief Councillor and York was angry with Somerset’s French failures. York felt sidelined by Somerset.

London remained loyal to HVI, Kent didn’t rise and was scared of being killed, York’s demands failed, nobles didn’t support York, York’s letters had warned HVI so he was prepared.

He was unresponsive and delusional - people genuinely believed he may die. His son, Edward, was born and he didn’t recognise him, starting a rumour that Edward wasn’t his child. Whilst HVI was ill, the Percys and Nevilles fought, and no one had the power to stop them. RDOY sides with the Nevilles. The Kings council listened to MoA at first, but started to believe that she was too powerhungry and turned to RDOY. MoA tried to be regent but failed.

MoA made a bill of 5 articles, which stated that she could make chancellor, treasurer, keeper of privy just like a king could whilst HVI was ill. She wanted to ensure her sons line to the throne, showing her political strength and knowledge. However, no one backs MoA and she had to accept RDOY as successor in March 1454.

He dealt affectively with feuding nobles, such as Exeters attacking Percy property, and York brought his army to intimidate them. York reduced the size of the royal household and reduced the expenditure from £24,000 to £5193 in just 5 years. He increased the crowns income, tried to reform the navy and distributed grants and titles more fairly then HVI.

York still favoured his supporters, such as aquitting Devon for his involvement in Dartford, York appointed himself as Captain of Calais, stealing the role from Somerset and putting Somerset in the Tower of London. The nobles didn’t trust York to settle their disputes as they didn’t think he could deliver impartial justice.

On 6th February 1462, Somerset was released from the Tower of London, and shortly afterwards the Duke of York resigned his office to the King at Greenwich. The Duke of Somerset became head of government once more under the King.

May 1455. This battle was a win for the Yorkists, with Somerset dying and York becoming the principal advisor and Warwick becoming Captain of Calais. 70 men died in this battle, and HVI was wounded.

September 1459. This battle was a win for the Yorkists, despite the fact that the Lancastrians had a 5000 troop advantage, and Lancastrian leader Lord Audley was killed. The Yorkist army was led by Salisbury, and the Yorkists added Warwick’s army to theirs.

October 1459. This battle was a win for the Lancastrians, despite the fact that the Yorkists had a large force. HVI led the Lancastrian army, and York fled to Ireland. Salisbury and Warwick fled to Calais.

July 1460. This battle was a win for the Yorkists, with 42,000 Yorkists led by Warwick vs. 8,000 Lancastrians led by Buckingham. The Yorkists won in half an hour. Lord Grey changed sides once he realised who would win. Buckingham was killed, and HVI was captured.

December 1460. This battle was a win for the Lancastrians. The Yorkists were led by York, Lancastrians were led by Somerset. RDOY was killed out of battle in an ambush. Salisbury was executed, and Neville died. Between 700-2500 Yorkists dead.

2nd February 1461. This battle was a win for the Yorkists. Edward Duke of York went against Jasper Tudor. Owen Tudor was beheaded and Henry Tudor fled. Edward marched to London after the battle.

17th February 1461. This battle was a win for the Lancastrians. Warwick vs MoA. Bonville was executed, HVI was released from the tower by MoA. MoA marched her forced to London, but they wouldn’t open the gates for her.

Anjou became the leader of the Lancastrians due to HVI’s poor health. She was arch enemies with York as she was determined to ensure her sons claim to the throne. She distrusted London, which was strongly Yorkist, and started her own court in Coventry, where she surrounded herself with loyal Lancastrians. The court was completely hostile to York and the Nevilles.

York’s political position was an immediate change - he became Chief Counsellor and then Protectorate for a second time. After HVI was taken, there was a re-crowning ceremony where York put the crown on his head, showing he was still loyal to HVI. Offices were given to loyal Yorkists: Bourchier became treasurer, Warwick became Captain of Calais.

HVI was wounded by an arrow in the battle, and was in a fragile mental state. He was captured by the Yorkists and may have thought he was going to be killed. Within 2 weeks of the battle a physician had to be called for him and most think he never ruled by himself again. He only asserted authority on some occasions, such as Loveday.

Three key Lancastrians were killed: Northumberland, Somerset, and Clifford. Their sons (the new Northumberland, Somerset, and Clifford) hated the Yorkists, and Somerset’s son Henry Beaufort began a personal vendetta against York and the Nevilles. Somerset’s death increased political factions. Distrust between the nobility was high, and some began turning up to meetings with armed men. Parliament blamed St. Albans on Somerset and his allies, Exeter was arrested and Buckingham had places under bonds.

Weak as it lacked noble support as they refused to take sides, and her main supporters Suffolk and Somerset had been killed in St. Albans 1. She went to the midlands, with allies such as Exeter, Devon, Somerset and Northumberland. HVI joined her in Kenitworth castle.

She organised the Earl of Shrewsbury a marriage for his heir, which was favourable. She lent money to Calais, making it hard for Warwick to pay the garrison. Warwick was forced into piracy which was embarrassing for the Queen. She demanded Warwick resign and she summoned him to London, where he was attacked - from there he sided with the Lancastrians.

24th March 1458. This saw rival factions walk arm in arm to St. Paul’s Cathedral: York + MoA, Somerset + Salisbury, Warwick + Northumberland. York and the two Nevilles promised to pay for a chantry at St Albans, where prayers could be said for the souls of those killed and it was agreed compensation would be paid to the Percy and Clifford families. London was packed full of armed men for this event. Loveday showed that there were two clear sides in England.

May-September 1459. Warwick refused to listen to MoA’s orders to resign as Captain of Calais. HVI and MoA summoned their military to Leicester. A Great Council was summoned in Coventry in June 1459 and those who didn’t attend (York, Nevilles, Bourchiers) were indicted. RDOY made plans for his supporters to meet at Ludlow. Warwick arrived from Calais, narrowly escaping capture by Somerset as he went to Ludlow. Warwick’s father, Salisbury, was intercepted at Blore Heath where he defeated the leader of the Lancaster forces, Lord Audley. Yorkists messaged HVI explaining their grievances against HVIs advisors. HVI promised to pardon anyone who laid down their weapons.

Lancastrian army met at Ludlow and they both met to fight at Ludford Bridge, Yorkists outnumbered 3 to 1. Calais men that Warwich brought weren’t prepared to fight the King so switched sides, and once darkness fell Yorkist leaders fled into the night. York headed to Ireland with his second son, Edmund. Edward, Earl of March went with Warwick to Calais. York’s youngest sons were left behind at Ludlow and the Yorkists were in ruins.

November 1459. Following the Flight of the Yorkists, MoA gathered a Lancastrian dominated parliament in Coventry, nicknamed the Parliament of Devils. Yorkist leaders were attained for treason and sentenced to death, 27 were condemned as traitors and had their lands confiscated. The Lancastrians went even further, however, and also disinherited their heirs, and Yorkist lands were given to loyal Lancastrians. This was seen to be too extreme, even for traitors and the majority of nobles thought MoA had went too far, and drew some to support York. MoA left the Yorkists with the feelings they had nothing to lose.

He is known as ‘Kingmaker’ throughout history. His troops had failed to stay loyal and he had fled back to France. Somerset had officially replaced Warwick as Captain of Calais, but when Somerset tried to take up his position in Calais from Warwick, his ships were fired upon by men loyal to Warwick. Somerset failed to take Calais from Warwick. Warwick had supporters in Kent who told him about Somerset’s plans to attack with a large number of ships in Kent. Warwick captured these ships in a surprise attack and took the ships back to Calais. Warwick went to Ireland to plan with York whilst the Lancastrians lacked the money and strength to retake Calais. Warwick captured a town (Sandwich) in Kent to start the Yorkist invasion, and went to London. They claimed that their purpose was to free HVI from his evil advisors. London authorities let the Yorkists into the city as more and more supporters gathered.

Parliament of Devils increased noble sympathy for York and his supporters. It was also alienated many of the nobility away from Margaret of Anjou as they felt she was not acting in the best interests of the country. MoA was also criticized for not taking action against York when it became clear that he had set himself up Ireland and was acting as if he ruled that 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 position to replace York. This extra time and space allowed York to plan his invasion of England and to gain support to his cause.

York comes back in September 1460 marching under the royal banner and carried his sword. He touched the throne as a sign of possession. He then turned to the audience (inc. his supporters) but no one came. Archbishop of Canterbury asked if he wanted to see the King: York was humiliated and furious, and passed the Act of Accord. The Act of Accord was an announcement that when HVI died, York and his heir were next for the throne. HVI was still King for now, Edward is disinherited. MoA was banned for life.

MoA headed to London, having defeated RDOY at wakefield. Her army pillaged towns as they went. Margaret’s army met Warwicks at St. Albans and they won due to the fact that Warwick fled. Lord Bonville, notable Yorkist was captured and executed. MoA released HVI from the tower after Warwick had captured him. MoA’s forces continued to London but London didn’t open the gates to her troops due to their pillaging.

After hearing of Warwick’s defeat at St Albans, Edward set off to London. The city welcomed him and all of his troops, and he was viewed as a saviour by the Londoners as a young, charming attractive 18 year old in comparison to weak HVI. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Duke of Norfolk and Warwick agreed Edward should be the new king. Edward took advantage of the unpopularity of MoA, HVI’s poor governance, fear of MoA’s army, Act of Accord and his fathers groundwork to become King of England.