The First Battle of St Albains and the four years of peace (1455 - 1459)

Question 1

Explain the build up to the first battle of St Albains

Answer 1

1. Mutual Fear - Somerset was worried that if Henry became ill again, York would be made Protector and try him for treason. York was worried that since Somerset had regained his power he would retaliate for his treatment during York’s first Protectorate.
2. The Great Council - Somerset called “The Great Council” at Leicester, but didn’t invite York and the Nevilles, excluding them from the government. York fled north (with the Nevilles) since he was convinced that Somerset and Margaret were plotting against him and that this was the first step to accusing him of treason.
3. York’s Army - While in the North, York built up an army. He wanted to impose his will on Henry when the council met (May 21). York and the Neville’s thought the only way to save themselves was by force. Somerset was only aware of the threat on May 18th, and therefore didn’t have enough time to call for support or reinforcements.

Question 2

Consequences of the First Battle of St Albains

Answer 2

1. Somerset and Percy were killed, the King was wounded and captured by the Yorkists.
2. The nobles were shocked that York would advance while the King’s standard was raised, and support for him dwindled.
3. York made no attempt to take the crown, and claimed he was still loyal to Henry. However, Henry suffered another bout of insanity following the battle, and York’s victory led to him serving a second term as protector.

Question 3

3 points

What were some areas of tension during the four years of peace?

Answer 3

1. Courtenay - Bonville feud
2. Wales
3. London

Question 4

How did the Courtenay - Bonville feud cause tension during the four years of peace?

Answer 4

This was a feud between the Courtenay’s and the Bonville’s over who should be the dominant family in Devon. William Bonville’s rise was associated with Suffolk and Beufort, so Thomas Courtenay felt drawn to York. Eventually tensions escaled to the point that the Courtenay’s attacked and killed the Bonville’s elderly lawyer, Radford. They held a mock inquisiton, and ruled it suicide. The Courtenay’s attacked and took control of Exeter, including Powderham castle which was held by an ally of the Bonvilles, and the defeated the Bonville’s in battle in December 1455. York interveined and arrested the earl of Devon, but the Courtenay’s later recieved a full pardon.

Question 5

How did the situation in Wales cause tension during the four years of peace?

Answer 5

In 1456, confict broke out between Edmund Tudor (half brother of Henry VI) and William Herbert and Walter Devereux (two of York’s men). Tudor seized Carmarthen castle from York but Devereux took it back and captured Tudor. Tudor died shortly after his release, leaving his young and pregnant wife, Margaret Beaufort, a widow.

Question 6

How did the situation in London cause tension during the four years of peace?

Answer 6

The situation in London was very tense. Margaret moved her court away from there to Kenilworth and encouraged her husband to join her there. The Yorkists wore padded jackets in the streets since they were fearful of attack. There were riots and attacks on foreign traders, such as the Lombard Bankers.