Edwards's Death and Richard's Reign

Question 0

Why did Edwards IV’s death cause political instability?

Answer 0

1. His death came as a shock and had not been prepared for.
2. Edward V was very young.
3. His wills were confusing an ambiguous. In 1475, Elizabeth Woodeville was chosen to be head of regency council. A few days before Edward IV’s death Elizabeth was supposedly replace by Richard.
4. Woodeville and Gloucester rivalry over who got to be on the regency council.

Question 1

What year did Edward IV die?

Answer 1

1483.

Question 2

Who did Richard kidnap and kill to become protector?

Answer 2

Earl Rivers, Vaughan, Grey, and Hawte.

Question 3

Why did Richard kill Hastings?

Answer 3

He called a council meeting without Richard to discuss his concerns about the safety of the Woodevilles.

Question 4

Factors which helped Richard become king (for a 12 mark question)

Answer 4

1. The Woodeville’s were unpopular and seen as social climbers.
2. Richard was popular with nobles - they saw him as a loyal warrior to Edward IV.
3. Richard spread rumours that both Edward IV and the princes were illegitimate. Nobles and churchmen spread these rumours.
4. Delayed Edward V’s coronation to have time to build and army.
5. He was ruthless. Elizabeth Woodeville was bullied into handing over both princes. Edward V’s protectors were killed. Hastings was killed.

Question 5

Why were there rebellions against Richard?

Answer 5

1. Southern nobility felt alienated by Richard’s reliance on Northern gentry.
2. Edward IV loyalist were angered about the treatment of the prices and Elizabeth.
3. Lancastrians supported Henry.

Question 6

Why did Buckingham lead rebellions?

Answer 6

1. Encouraged by John Morton when he was in custody.
2. Wanted the rewards of being a kingmaker again.
3. Was promised 1/2 the Earldom of Hereford but then denied.

Question 7

Why did Richard call parliament in 1484?

Answer 7

1. Pass laws (introduced bail, made benevolences illegal, defended property rights.)
2. Titulus Regius.
3. Granting himself customs duties.
4. Acts of attainder.

Question 8

Why was Richard’s position insecure by 1484?

Answer 8

1. Rumours and bad reputation. (usurper, killed the princes, execution of Hastings, treatment of the Woodeville’s)
2. Poor control of the country (no heir, relied on the Northern connection, unable to control magnates, made De La Pole head of Council of the North, betrayed by Buckingham and Daubeny.)
3. Henry growing in popularity (marriage promise, protected by Duke of Brittany, base in France, joined by people like Morton and Fox.)

Question 9

Why did the Buckingham Rebellion fail?

Answer 9

1. Buckingham’s execution frightened nobles and causes Henry Tudor to sail back to France.
2. Richard had loyal support.
3. The rebellions were disorganised and disconnected.
4. Heavy rainfall and Henry Stafford destroying the bridge over the river Severn stopped Buckingham from reaching other Rebels.

Question 10

Why did Richard make himself protector?

Answer 10

1. He believed he had been rightfully chosen in Edward IV’s 1483 will.
2. Fear of the growing power and influence of the Woodeville’s.
3. Fear of enemies such as Hastings gaining power.

Question 11

Why did Richard make himself king?

Answer 11

1. He believed he had the legitimate claim.
2. Fear of the growing power and influence of the Woodeville’s.
3. Fear of enemies such as Hastings gaining power.
4. He believed he’d rule better than a minor.