How weak were the Yorkists by the end of 1459? (1459)

Question 1

What was the Yorkist situation by December 1459?

Answer 1

• Yorkists flee England (York + Rutland to Ireland, Warwick + Salisbury + March to Calais)
• Margaret calls Parliament of Devils, which attaints 27 Yorkists in Dec

Question 2

The Yorkists were in a very weak position

Answer 2

• Lacked noble support: furthered by death of Lord Audley to Salisbury’s forces at Blore Heath
• Attainted: lost all lands, possessions and titles,
  Warwick stripped as Captain of Calais
• Separated: out of England but in different places (Ireland and Calais);
  left the rest of family in England, felt vulnerable

Question 3

The Yorkists were not in a very weak position

Answer 3

• Allies: Bourchiers (Canterbury + Viscount) remain in power,
  still have public support in Ireland, London and SE,
  Warwick loaned £18,000 by Staplers of Calais
• Extremity of Attainder: generates uneasiness in nobility with some sympathy to Yorkists,
  shown by publication of Somnium Vigilantis,
  now they have nothing to lose so willing to take risks
• Throne: York still has strong Mortimer claim,
  Henry insists right to offer a pardon