Timeline of St Albans

Question 1

1

Answer 1

following end of protectorate and Henry’s recovery, Somerset and Exeter became right hand men

Yorkist leaders were summoned to appear at council meeting, instead of attending, Yorkists and Nevilles raised arms

Question 2

2 leading up to battle

Answer 2

18th May 1455 – the king called his supporters to arms.

19th May 1455 – York and his armed supporters were ordered to disband their forces.

21st May 1455 – Henry VI left Westminster and headed north, accompanied by Somerset and Buckingham. York and his supporters protested their loyalty to the king and concern for his safety in a letter to the king – this was potentially concealed from him by Somerset.

Question 3

3 Battle

Answer 3

22nd May – the royalists came across Yorkist forces near the town of St Albans. The Royalists took position inside the town. Despite last attempts at negotiation for 2 hours, the battle begun.

Forces led by Warwick attacked the Royalist barricades from the back and sides by cutting through gardens.

Somerset, Clifford and Northumberland were all hacked down within the streets against chivalric custom. There were an estimated 60-70 deaths.

Question 4

4 aftermath

Answer 4

Henry VI was escorted back to London by the Yorkists. On 25th May, York displayed his new political authority by placing the royal crown on Henry’ head at a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral. A Parliament was summoned and a pardon to the Yorkist party was granted.

The blame for the battle was put on the Duke of Somerset and his supporters, and York became the Constable of England again.