Chapter 5- Richard III Flashcards
Factors in Richard becoming king.
Edward’s early death
Richard’s power
Divisions at court
Help from others
His swiftness to act
His ruthlessness
Edward V’s weak position
How did Edward IV’s early death aid Richard?
Edward’s early death left an underage heir (12 year old Edward V) who was Woodville influenced. Allegedly, Edward’s will named Gloucester as regent but this was destroyed.
How did divisions at court aid Richard?
Hastings and Buckingham’s strong dislike of Elizabeth meant that Hastings warned Gloucester of Earl Rivers’ plan to bring Edward to London and the Woodvilles’ attempt to speed up Edward V’s coronation so they could rule via a regency council. The Woodvilles’ unpopularity meant people would help Richard.
How did Richard’s power help him to take the throne?
He had received Warwick’s northern estates in 1471 and was named lieutenant which meant he was respected by the northern nobility e.g. When Richard faced a Woodville plot to destroy him and Buckingham, armies of Northumberland and York’s mayor aided him.
His marriage to Anne Neville (Warwick’s daughter) gained him some of her inheritance.
Who helped Richard take the throne?
Hastings warned Richard of Elizabeth’s attempts to set up a regency council due to his fear of her revenge for encouraging Edward’s womanising.
Buckingham hated the Woodville having had to marry one of them, Katherine, and felt he should control South Wales.
Richard Ratcliffe and Lord Lovell supported him out of friendship.
How did Richard’s swiftness to act help him take the throne?
Following Hasting’s warning, he met Earl Rivers at Stony Stratford an took possession of Edward, who attempted to protect Rivers from Gloucester who claimed Rivers wanted to disregard his father’s will.
Richard sent word to London saying he’d rescued Edward causing Elizabeth to find sanctuary in Westminster Abbey.
How did Richard’s ruthlessness help him take the throne?
He arrested Earl Rivers, Richard Grey and Thomas Vaughan and were executed as traitors on the 25th of June 1483 without trial.
Richard introduced his own supported to the council such as Buckingham.
When Hastings allegedly approached the Woodvilles with suspicions of Richard, he was executed for treason without trial on the 13th of June 1483.
Edward V and Richard, Duke of York disappeared in July 1483 forever.
How did Richard try to question Edward’s legitimacy?
Questioned Edward IV’s legitimacy which ruined his mother’s reputation.
He claimed that Edward was contracted to marry Lady Eleanor Butler so his marriage to Elizabeth was illegal, however Eleanor died in 1468 legalising the marriage.
How did Edward V’s weakness aid Richard?
Edward’s age and strong Woodville influence left Richard with the only option of making him disappear.
When was Richard offered the crown?
On the 25th of June 1483, he faked protests but accepted it.
When was Richard III crowned king?
On the 6th of July 1483
Who did Richard reward?
William Catesby and Lord Howard were generously rewarded, with Howard receiving the Duchy of Norfolk.
For not participating in the Buckingham rebellion, Thomas, Lord Stanley was rewarded.
Buckingham was given control over Wales and the north Midlands.
How did Richard rule?
He tried to centralise administration further so that more worm was done by him and his trusted advisors.
he toured areas of lawlessness which occupied a lot of his time.
What changes to the government did Richard make?
Established legal aid (later became the Tudor Court of Requests).
introduced the Council of the North.
To fund the Scottish war he called in debts owed from Crown lands an exploited all income sources but failed and had to demand forced loans.
He introduced northerners e.g. Edmund Chadderton and Thomas Barowe as they had served him well in the north.
When was the Buckingham Rebellion?
October 1483
