6. Why was Bolingbroke able to seize power in 1399?

Question 1

Why was Richard’s absence in Ireland a factor?

Answer 1

he was accompanied by many

of his leading supporters including his formidable Cheshire retinue

Question 2

What is the fact that even the duke of York, Protector of the
Realm, was willing to support a usurper rather than the anointed
king a damning indictment of?

Answer 2

Richard’s unpopularity among
many noblemen, who were doubtless frightened by the king’s growing aloofness and apparent desire to avenge himself on those
guilty of past affronts.

Question 3

Example of Richard’s increasingly tyrannical behaviour in relation to property ownership

Answer 3

Richard’s decision to disinherit Bolingbroke- seen as an example of his willingness to ignore convention and legal restraint to seize a noble’s land without just cause.