3. The Wonderful Parliament of 1386 & Consequences

Question 1

What pushed the first major challenge of the Wonderful Parliament

Answer 1

Gaunt’s departure and strong threat of invasion from France

Question 2

What was parliament’s demands before they would agree to grant taxation?

Answer 2

That de la Pole was removed from office

Question 3

Did Richard agree to parliament’s demands?

Answer 3

He refused to even discuss it

Question 4

What did Richard’s reaction to parliament’s demands lead to?

Answer 4

A dramatic meeting at Eltham between Richard & a number of leading noblemen

Question 5

What were the consequences if Richard refused to attend parliament at Eltham?

Answer 5

If he refused to attend, it could dissolve itself after 40 days & no tax would be able to be used to help against French threat

Question 6

What did Richard threaten to do because he was outraged by this attack on his royal prerogative?

Answer 6

He threatened to seek help from the French to deal with his disobedient subjects.

Question 7

What did Thomas of Woodstock and Thomas Arundel, Bishop of Ely, remind Richard in retaliation to his threat of dealing with his disobedient subjects?

Answer 7

They reminded Richard that nobles could, by common consent, depose a king who alienated his people- his great-grandfather Edward II an example.

Question 8

Did Woodstock and Arundel’s threat work?

Answer 8

Yes- Richard met with parliament

Question 9

What happened at the meeting at Eltham?

Answer 9

Richard was forced to watch as his favourite was impeached- but king refused to allow de la Pole’s imprisonment

Question 10

What did parliament also demand an inquiry into at Eltham?

Answer 10

An inquiry into royal finances by a commission appointed for a year to control the Exchequer & the Great Seal + the Privy Seal

Question 11

Why did Richard begin to move around the country?

Answer 11

Partially to avoid the commission into royal finances and to raise troops

Question 12

What did Richard make De Vere?

Answer 12

Justice of Chester

Question 13

2 key members of the Lord’s Appellant

Answer 13

Thomas of Woodstock

Henry Bolingbroke, earl of Derby (John of Gaunt’s son, Richard’s cousin)

Question 14

What did the lord’s appellant present the king with?

Answer 14

An appeal for five of his favourites, including de la Pole and de Vere, to be tried for treason

Question 15

What happened at Radcot Bridge in Oxfordshire?

Answer 15

Richard’s supporters from Chester, led by de Vere, were intercepted by the king’s opponents and a battle was fought here

Question 16

What did Radcliffe Bridge battle mean for Richard?

Answer 16

He was entirely at the mercy of his critics and was obliged to attend the ‘Merciless Parliament’

Question 17

When was the ‘Merciless Parliament’?

Answer 17

1388

Question 18

What happened at the ‘Merciless Parliament’?

Answer 18

The king’s favourites were put on trial for treason. Both de la Pole and de Vere were sentenced to death and some supporters immediately executed

Question 19

Why were the consequences of the ‘Merciless Parliament’ limited for Bolingbroke?

Answer 19

Gaunt returned to England in 1389 and Richard received him warmly, relying on his advice.

Question 20

How did Henry Bolingbroke gain an international reputation as a warrior?

Answer 20

Gaunt provided his son with funds to travel and he participated in tournaments

Question 21

What did Bolingbroke do when he returned to England?

Answer 21

Took up a place at court alongside his father, John of Gaunt, serving in the Lords in various parliaments and advising king in the great councils