The Betrayal of the Kingmaker

Question 1

What was the state of play for the kingship in 1461?

Answer 1

Henry VI was ‘barely clinging to the throne’.

Question 2

Name the bloodiest battle fought on British soil? Who fought? Who won?

Answer 2

The bloodiest battle fought on British soil was Towton in Yorkshire - Henry’s forces vs Edward (son of RoY). Edward won. 1461

Question 3

What did Henry VI do after the Battle of Towton?

Answer 3

Henry VI flees to Scotland with Margaret

Question 4

Who was ‘The Kingmaker’?

Answer 4

The Kingmaker - Richard Neville - Earl of Warwick

Question 5

Who was Richard of York’s important son?

Answer 5

Edward IV - Plantagenet King of England. Just 18. RoY killed months before.

Question 6

What was Edward’s initial strategy with enemies (like Sir Ralph Percy)?

Answer 6

Sir Ralph Percy - supporter of Henry in Northumberland- taken prisoner … but Edward makes him an ally.

Question 7

How did Edward IV insult Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick?

Answer 7

1464 - nobility on side, money trickling in. Henry needed a wife.
Bona of Savoy - French princess. But Henry already got married … Elizabeth Woodville! Was married before!! Warwick insulted.

Question 8

What important event happened in 1465 and who didn’t show up?

Answer 8

1465 - Elizabeth Woodville crowned Queen of England. Warwick doesn’t attend wedding - direct snub! Her father fought AGAINST Edward at Towton. They see her as the enemy…

Question 9

What does Edward IV do for Woodvilles?

Answer 9

Edward plans to forcibly marry Woodvilles into aristocracy. Reaching out to former enemies..?

Question 10

What happened to Henry VI when he turned up after exile (Edward’s response)?

Answer 10

Henry VI leaves exile and gets locked up in Tower of London. Well treated.

Question 11

Who was Robin of Redesdale and what were his demands?

Answer 11

1469 - tax riots (rumours Woodvilles corrupt). Mysterious Robin of Redesdale demands queen’s family removed from power - ‘The Great Insurrection’. King needs Warwick again. But Warwick was secretly organising it!

Question 12

What was Warwick’s dangerous move towards seizing throne involving marriage?

Answer 12

Warwick marries his daughter to Clarence - ignoring King’s wishes. Clarence was the younger brother of Edward. Supporting rebels.

Question 13

What was Warwick’s riskiest action with regard to Edward and the Woodvilles? How did it turn out?

Answer 13

Warwick imprisons Edward! Kills Woodvilles - including Lord Rivers, King’s father in law!
Peace collapses into violence.
Edward released. Forgives.

Question 14

What was Warwick’s treachery AFTER forgiveness from Edward IV? Where does he go?

Answer 14

1470 - rebellion in Lincolnshire. Warwicks duplicity discovered - another treasonous act. Flees to France with Clarence.

Question 15

What is Warwick’s treacherous plan in France?

Answer 15

Warwick links up with Margaret of Anjou. Plan to replace Edward with Henry VI once again. They attack from Devon.

Question 16

Who has a remarkable comeback briefly in 1470?

Answer 16

Edward flees London. Elizabeth goes to Westminster Abbey. Warwick releases Henry from Tower. 1470 becomes King of England again!

Question 17

What contrast was evident after Edward landed in Yorkshire (after Henry VI’s brief return to the throne)?

Answer 17

Edward IV lands in Yorkshire to attack. Brings army to London. Contrast with Henry - youth verses age and weakness.

Question 18

What is Elizabeth’s good news in 1471?

Answer 18

Elizabeth reunited with Edward - they have baby boy (heir). King and Queen of England again.

Question 19

How was Warwick finally humiliated? Which enemy also died shortly afterward?

Answer 19

Warwick routed by Edward and killed. Edward displays naked body at St Pauls to humiliate. 1471 - Henry VI dies - probably murdered.