kEY eVENTS OF 1461 Flashcards
how did Margaret prepare military in early 1461?
December 1450-February 1461: Margaret marched south
what impact did Margaret’s forces have in early 1461?
- forces ravaged towns (e.g. Grantham and Stamford) through which they passed
- the disreputable and impoverished joined them to get booty frp, villages, manor houses, and monasteries they plundered
whole towns, including Coventry, switched allegiances when they heard
why did Margaret try to enter London Feb 1461?
Margaret strengthened by her possession of HVI; Yorkist lords’ claim to be acting in the name of the king had been destroyed - she wanted to enter London and reclaim royal government
why did the city authorities bar the gates of London?
- probably fear of the Northerners who had gained a reputation for pillage from their passage along the Great North Road into Hertfordshire
- alternatively, the aldermen of London had already committed themselves to the Yorkist cause
what did Margaret do when the city authorities barred the gates of London to her?
Margaret’s army headed back north
where did March and Warwick meet before entering London Feb 1461?
Chpping Norton in Oxfordshire
what could Warwick and Edward do, once they had entered London 27 Feb 1461?
Edward was now free to claim the throne; by killing Richard of York, the Lancastrians had violated the Act of Accord
how did Edward claim the throne after entereing London 27 Feb 1461?
- 1st March: Bishop Neville of Exeter declared his just title to the throne, to a presumably select and sympathetic gathering in St John’s Field; the assembly was asked if HVI had forfeited his rights to be king, and if they would accept Edward in his stead
- 4th March: people summoned to gather outside St Paul’s; Edward processed to cathedral and the people were asked if they accepted Edward as their king
- Edward then made his way to Westminster hall and took his place on the king’s seat and assumbed the royal regalia; then made a declaration of his own title to the throne
