9. The Bonville-Courtenay Dispute Flashcards
Where were they based?
South West 1451-61
Courtenay
Earls of Devon
Bonvilles
Lords of Harington
Why were Courtenays against Bonvilles?
Courtenays one of poorest families amongst their ranks and 3rd earl position threatened by William, Lord Harington, who owned one of most valuable estates
What further event involving the king evoked anger in Courtenay
1437, King appointed Bonville as Royal Steward in Cornwall for life
What did the appointment trigger
A campaign of violence by the retinue of the earl of Devon against Lord Harington (Bonvilles) and his affinity
Who did Bonville support in national politics?
The duke of Suffolk & Queen Margaret
What did Bonville’s alliance gain him?
His elevation to the peerage. Became Baron Bonville of Chewton
Who did Thomas Courtenay the earl of Devon, ally with in response?
Duke of York
What happened in the summer of 1451?
Earl of Devin placed Taunton Castle, the Bonville stronghold, under siege. Stopped by d.york
What happened 1452-55 in terms of Bonville’s power
Bonville exercised considerable dominance in the West country and had the full support if King Henry VI
What posts did Bonville receive that wad traditionally within the influence of the earls of Devon 1452-55
Steward of Cornwall and Constable of Exeter Castle
What happened when the duke of York gained ascendancy in terms of alliances? How was this cemented?
Bonville shifted his support towards Yorkists and away from Queen’s party. 1455- Bonville’s grandson married Katherine (daughter of Richard Neville, e.Salisbury)
What happened on the 23rd October 1455 to one of Bonville’s senior councillors?
Nicholas Radford was attacked and murdered by the earl of Devon’s sons and other members of Courtenay’s affinity
What happened to the 13th earl of Devon 1458?
Died and new earl Thomas Courtenay wad Radford’s murderer
