Buckingham's Rebellion Flashcards
Why was it known as Buckingham’s Rebellion ?
Buckingham was the most high profile noble involved.
Background:
It is believed Margaret Beaufort approached Elizabeth Woodville offering her son as an option as new King of England. Once crowned Tudor wuld marry Elizabeth of York - Woodville and Edward’s daughter - fusing the two houses.
Why did Brittany support Tudor?
Tudor had been in exile there since 1471 - thus had connections in Brittany - but also Edward V had been pledged to marry Duke Francis II of Brittany daughter Anne - obviously Richard had taken Kingship so…
What support did Brittany provide for Tudor?
Money for 7 ships and 515 men.
Where did Stanley stand on this?
He was uninvolved in Buckingham’s Rebellion,
Why did many prominent members of the Yorkist establishment rebel in October 1483?
In many ways it was a reaction to the way R3 had seized the throne, a delayed reaction as R3 had seized the throne quickly through a brutal display of force. There was also a sense of outrage at how he had overthrown a legitimate king who had done nothing wrong, and few believed the pre-contract story that Ed4’s marriage to
Elizabeth was invalid.
When and where did the rebellion begin?
In the late summer of 1483, largely in East Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk) and the south-east (Essex, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire), all areas with links to the Woodvilles.
Which two nobles were sent by RIII to deal with this?
John Howard, and Buckingham
Which class of society made up Buckingham’s Rebellion?
The gentry
Many were former servants of Edward and Clarence. For example…
Sir Roger Tocotes and Sir William Berkeley
What appeared to be the aim of the rebellion and why?
The original aim of the rebels appears to have to free Edward V from the Tower and place him on the throne. This accounts for the large number of rebels who were former servants of Edward IV.
By August / September what was believed around England? How did this affect Margaret Beaufort?
The Princes in the Tower were dead. Margaret Beaufort knew her son now had a stronger claim to the throne.
It is believed who convinced Buckingham to turn against Richard?
John Morton, Bishop of Ely
What do you think convinced Buckingham?
Opposition so early in Richard’s reign suggests unpopularity - perhaps Buckingham’s fear was losing everything due to association with Richard the tyrant.
October 1483
The rebellion took place in October, rebels were fighting in Kent, and Buckingham led some in Wales. Richard III based himself in the Midlands whilst John Howard protected London.
Why did the rebellion fail - practically ?
Buckingham’s army fell apart as they struggled to cross the River Severn - John Howard effectively protected London. By the time that Henry Tudor arrived - the rebellion had failed.
Why did the rebellion fail - logistically?
1) Lack of co-ordination (Buckingham late addition - Women’s limited Role - Tudor in Brittany)
2) Buckingham’s lack of support - Stanley didn’t support him because he would have too much power if made King + lack of support in Wales led to small army which fragmented before battle
3) Limited key nobles - earl of Shrewsbury didn’t support
Positives for Richard III
1) R appeared decisive and successful
2) Parliament met 1484 - and Act of Attainder named 103 individuals - had to forfeit land - R could reward supporters and regions of support
3) R offered traitors bonds and recognisances which meant they could prove their loyalty to him - 14 made peace with him in 5 months
4) Liz Woodville put her 5 daughters under Richards control - suggests she accepts his success
Negatives for Richard III
1) First time since 1471 that a Yorksit alternative had been offered for the throne (through the marriage to Elizabeth of York that Henry Tudor promised).
2) As many as 500 exiles joined Tudor after Buckingham’s Rebellion including the Earl of Oxford.
3) Narrowed support for Richard III further
4) Between a third and a half of the rebels had been servants of Edward IV - Richard unable to confirm loyalty
What did Richard do in response?
He took nobles from the north and ‘transplanted’ them into the south to try and prevent further rebellions - by 1484, 2/3 of sheriffs south of the River Severn were ‘newcomers’ from the north.
What rhyme exhibited Richard’s unpopularity?
‘The cat, the rat, and Lovell the dog all rule England under the hog.’ - Tensions about Richards limited power/ support base.
This was the first time Richard was seen as a …
Tyrant
