4. Richard II and The Problems of The Royal Succession Flashcards
Why were Gaunt and Bolingbroke concerned about the king’s attitude towards their family and inheritance by 1394?
Gaunt’s influence over Richard began to decline
What was a key factor in this underlying tension?
The king’s lack of an heir, as
his marriage to Anne of Bohemia, who died in 1394, was childless. This kept the succession uncertain and Gaunt was a candidate- threat to Richard’s power
Who were the possible heirs to Richard?
The king’s heir was Roger Mortimer, earl of March, who was the grandson of Lionel of Antwerp, who had been the second-eldest son of King
Edward Ill.
Gaunt, however, also had a significant claim, as he was the third son of Edward Ill.
Why was Gaunt the
stronger candidate for the throne?
Very great wealth and military support at his disposal formed mainly through his estates held in his position as the duke of Lancaster.
What did Anne of Bohemias death lead to
Richard’s suspicious and tyrannical attitude towards nobility
What were the personal reasons preventing Richard from remarrying?
He appears to have been
completely faithful to his queen during her lifetime and deeply upset
by her death; indeed, on hearing the news of her death in June 1394, Richard apparently flew into a rage of bitter grief and ordered that the palace in which she had died should be burned to the ground.
Who did Richard agree to marry in 1396
1396 he agreed to marry
Isabella, daughter of the French King Charles VI.
Why was the match controversial?
This match was
controversial as Isabella was only seven years old, so the marriage
would remain unconsummated until she reached puberty (usually around 13 years), meaning that the king could not have a legitimate heir for at least another seven years.
Why was the marriage regarded
as suspiciously unpatriotic by many at court?
The marnage was a sign of Richard’s pro-French leanings
Why was the pro-peace stance increased?
This pro-peace
stance was increased as he realised that, in order to fight a foreign
war, he would need the agreement of parliament for taxation and he was suspicious of this institution since the ‘Merciless Parliament’ of 1388.
Why did he marry Isabella in terms of diplomatic relations?
His marriage to Isabella was an
important step towards reducing hostilities with France and the
marriage agreement was accompanied by a 28-year truce.
