Evidence of Security 2nd Reign Flashcards
Overview of Second Reign 1471-83
Main dynastic rivals were dead
Dynasty looked secure, had a son (Edward) and 2 brothers
Second reign allowed him a greater deal of freedom and was stronger in terms of Law and order
Foreign policy was weak but did not matter as his control at home was greater
How was power consolidated
Had very few rival claims to the throne, Henry Tudor had fled to Brittany with Jasper Tudor
Edward’s first son was born which made the royal line secure
Created a new affinity, reconciliation and restrictions on retainers
New affinity
Reinstated key officials eg Earl Essex was made treasurer
Appointed his own household men which gave him more control over flow of money
Passed an Act of Resumption in 1473, reclaiming old grants of lands and titles
Used this land to develop his affinity
Individuals (new affinity)
Affinity built on family
THOMAS GREY- Got extensive lands in Cornwall, Devon and South West. Made Marquees of Dorset 1475
GLOUCESTER- Given entire northern estate of the Nevilles, as well chunks of Duchy of Lancaster, was also made Great Chamberlain (loyal and capable, essentially ruled the north)
HASTINGS- Control of the Honour of Tutbury. Also made Captain of Calais and Chancellor of the Exchequer (due to ability and loyalty)
WILLIAM HERBERT- Earl of Pembroke and given control of Wales. Control of Wales was then given to Prince of Wales Council. (Incompetent and was unable to restore order)
CLARENCE- Made Great Chamberlain of England and given Neville estates in Midlands. Hastings honour of Tutbury ruled over his land (Incapable of bringing rebellious gentry to a heal)
STAFFORD- Duke of Buckingham was excluded from power (Edward found him greedy and talentless)
Local affinity
Shrewd management of land and titles allowed him to create tight knit loyal affinity, were also capable in order to control country
Prince’s household in Wales was firstly Edward’s men and secondly those of the Woodvilles
Reconciliation
Many who acknowledged the futility of prolonged rebellion against Edward and returned
Eg heir to the earldom of Ormond who returned home with partial restoration of lands
Edward also gave rewards to leading magnates such as Suffolk despite wavering loyalty
Lancastrians considered too dangerous to negotiate with eg Jasper Tudor there was no pardon
Restrictions of retainers
Lords were used to illegally retaining as a way of increasing own prestige, these retainers could also create lawlessness and be used against the King
Edward was able to restrict issuing of licences for retaining retinues which would have a helpful effect on law and order
Edward began to retain more and more men in the locality than predecessors, these were locally important men
