How strong was Richard III’s position as King of England by the end of 1484? (Weaknesses) Flashcards
What was a widespread belief about Richard III’s seizure of power?
Richard had seized power without right and had murdered his two nephews, including the rightful king, Edward V. This continued to generate resistance to his regime, especially among southern gentry and former members of Edward IV’s household.
Example sentence: The belief that Richard had murdered his nephews led to resistance against his rule.
What was Richard III’s powerbase heavily reliant on?
Richard III’s powerbase was heavily northern. He was very reliant on the personal loyalty of them to him and to his wife Anne – the Neville heir. Attempts to use northern gentry to support his control of the south (‘northern plantations’) was much resented there.
Additional information: Richard relied on loyalty from the northern regions for his power.
What happened to Richard III’s only son and heir, Edward of Middleham?
Richard III’s only son and heir, Edward of Middleham, died in April 1484. Queen Anne was sickly and not expected to live long (she died in March 1485). The Yorkist succession was therefore in doubt. By Christmas 1484 there were rumours that he intended to marry his own niece, Elizabeth of York, and these damaged his reputation among his supporters (and prompted fears of Woodville restoration).
Example sentence: The death of his son and rumors about his intentions damaged Richard’s reputation.
What did Richard III try to impose penalties for in April 1484?
Richard III tried to impose strict penalties on those spreading rumours about him and his favourites from April 1484 onwards. In July 1484 William Collingbourne was arrested for his infamous rhyme and for conspiring to bring Henry Tudor to England in October 1484.
Additional information: Richard imposed penalties for spreading rumors about him.
Who had a Lancastrian claim to the throne and was outside of Richard III’s reach?
Henry Tudor, had a Lancastrian claim to the throne, was outside of his reach in Brittany. On Christmas Day 1483 Henry Tudor had sworn an oath at Rennes Cathedral to marry Elizabeth of York, Edward IV’s eldest daughter. Richard’s attempts to seize Henry Tudor in Summer 1484 failed and he fled to France.
Example sentence: Henry Tudor’s claim to the throne posed a threat to Richard III.
Who were some of the prominent nobles that Richard III was dangerously reliant on?
Richard III was dangerously reliant on a few very prominent nobles whose loyalty was questionable: Thomas, Lord Stanley – was the husband of Margaret Beaufort and stepfather of Henry Tudor. Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland –resented John de la Pole’s control of the Council of the north.
Additional information: Richard relied on nobles with questionable loyalty.
