Chapter 4- Edward IV's first rule and the crisis of 1470-71 Flashcards
Why didn’t Edward want a coronation immediately?
He wanted to destroy Henry VI and bring peace to England.
How did Edward fund an army to fight the Lancastrians?
The city of London lend him a further £4000 on top of the £4500 they had lent since July 1460. He acquired loans from merchants who were owed large debts from deals from Lancastrians and he borrowed money from religious houses.
What did Edward do on the 6th of March 1461?
Announced that any supporters of Henry VI who submitted to him within ten days would be pardoned excluding those whose income was over 100 marks a year.
What was the aim of Edward’s proclamation?
To divide and weaken the Lancastrians.
Where did the Yorkists recruit men from?
Kent and East Anglia. Warwick’s uncle, Lord Fauconberg led an army of people from Kent and the Welsh Marches.
When did Edward leave London for Towton?
On the 13th of March, along with the Duke of Norfolk and a Burgundian contingent, Edward left London.
At Towton how many were estimated on each side?
50,000, Edward had few noblemen compared to Margaret but himself and Warwick had vast inheritances so had a lot of retainers.
When was the Battle of Towton?
From the 28th to the 29th of March 1461
What happened at Towton on the 28th of March?
The Battle at Ferrybridge forced the Lancastrians to retreat and Lord Clifford was killed. Warwick was injured by an arrow to the leg.
What happened at Towton on the 29th of March?
The Lancastrians were positioned on high ground but the wind and snow changed direction blinding them so Edward ordered archers to fire, then step back. When the Lancastrians fired blindly back, the Yorkists were out of range and collected the arrows. Later, it seemed like Somerset had pushed the back but blinded again, Norfolk’s late arrival caused them to flee.
How did the Yorkists catch the Lancastrians at Towton?
Before the battle, the Lancastrians had broken a bridge at Tadcaster to slow the Yorkist advance, but as they tried to flee, many drowned or were trapped and killed by the Yorkists.
How many died at Towton (estimate)?
28,000
Which leaders died at Towton?
The Earl of Northumberland died, the Earl of Devon’s head replaced one of Edward IV’S father, brother or uncle in York. The Earl of Wiltshire was executed at Newcastle.
Why wasn’t Henry at Towton?
He refused to participate because it was Palm Sunday whereas Edward was there as an inspirational leader.
When was Edward IV crowned king of England and France?
On the 28th of June 1461
What issues remained after the victory at Towton?
Margaret, Henry and Edward had fled to Scotland and could still raise Lancastrian support.
Remained Lancastrian supporters in the north-east.
The fighting left families with scores to settle.
As Edward had won the throne in battle, many believed it was an appropriate way to deal with rivals.
Describe Louis XI
He fell out with his father, Charles VII, having rebelled, married Charlotte of Savoy against his wishes and insulted his mistress.
Charles sent an army against him causing Louis to flee to his uncle, Duke Philip of Burgundy.
From there, he aided Edward at Towton and when Louis became king, he withdrew his Lancastrian support, however when Edward specified his pro-Burgundian policy, Louis renewed Lancastrian support.
Known as the universal spider.
When was the Battle of Hedgeley Moor?
April 1464
What happened at the Battle of Hedgeley Moor?
On route to Scotland, to act as an escort for Scottish delegation headed for truce talks in York, John Neville (Lord Montagu) was confronted by the Duke of Somerset and the northern Lancastrian armies. Although outnumbered, Montagu attacked and killed Sir Ralph Percy causing his army to flee.
When was the Battle of Hexham?
May 1464
What happened at the Battle of Hexham?
Somerset positioned himself near Hexham determined to beat Montagu but Montagu surprised him and defeated them. Somerset, Hungerford and Roos were all beheaded. Henry was there but escaped.
How much of a problem was Henry VI?
He remained a Lancastrian figurehead whose supporters believed he was appointed by God. Foreign powers would aid any disruption to England. Edward dealt with Henry at Hedgeley Moor and Hexham via Montagu. Henry was captured in July 1465 and put in the Tower but not killed out of fear that his son would be a stronger opponent.
How much of a problem was Margaret of Anjou?
She was determined to secure succession for her son and looked to Scotland and France for help. In April 1461, she ordered Berwick-on-Tweed to be handed over to Scotland. Charles VII attacked the Channel Islands in 1461 after negotiations with her and Louis XI easily sided with her on the promise of Calais. She tried to attack Edward in 1462 but fled to France. Edward made Scottish and French truces ending Lancastrian support.
Why did Edward need to win over Lancastrian support?
His support base consisted of the Nevilles and the Bourchiers.
How did Edward attempt to win over Lancastrian support after Towton?
He only issued 14 Acts of Attainders for his opposition at Towton, the heirs would be have their titles restored.
Edward allowed the Duke of Buckingham and the Earl of Shrewsbury (under age heirs) to retain their estates.
Who didn’t accept Edward’s rule?
The Duke of Exeter, the Earl of Pembroke and Sir Ralph Percy.
How did Henry Beaufort (Duke of Somerset) die?
He appeared to have changed side when he aided Edward in capturing Alnwick castle but then changed sides using Bamburgh castle to attack the Yorkists. He was killed at Hexham in May 1464.
Who controlled Harlech Castle?
It remained in Lancastrian hands until 1468.
How well did Edward deal with the Lancastrian problem?
He tried to be conciliatory and encouraged government participation but most Lancastrians rejected this because there remained legitimate Lancastrian figureheads and it was difficult to forgive their families’ murders. However, there were no major northern risings and when Henry returned in 1462, he received little support. Furthermore, local gentry betrayed Henry in 1465 when he was captured.
How did Edward use patronage?
He hugely rewarded the Nevilles for their service, for example Warwick got the Percy and Clifford estates and John Neville was made Lord Montagu and Warwick’s uncle, Lord Fauconberg, became Earl of Kent.
His other patronage rewarded lesser gentry for their loyalty, Humphrey Stafford was made a baron in 1461 and William Herbert was made Earl of Pembroke.
What taxes did Parliament grant Edward?
It granted two taxes for military campaigns (1462 against Scotland and 1468 against France) but neither happened and Edward took some of the money.
How were revenues under Henry VI?
They had fallen to £24,000 per annum.
What happened with custom duties for Edward?
He was granted them for life in 1465. This was improved by the commercial treaty with Burgundy in 1467.
How did Edward ensure all revenues were paid to the crown?
From 1461, an administration audited crown estates to make sure all revenues were paid to the crown.
What was the land revenue experiment?
Under the old system, the farmer had benefitted more than the King, so Edward ensured that crown lands were making an increased contribution to royal finances.
What was the ‘chamber system of finance’?
Income from land went directly to the chamber which was the king’s main financial agency, the system ensured that money was obtained and spent quicker which reduced the opportunity for embezzlement.
How did Edward uphold law and order?
He toured areas of lawlessness such a the Midlands andthe north.
He supervised treason cases to show his personal interest in justice.
In 1468, most forms of retaining were made illegal but it was allowed via a royal licence.
