war of the roses > unit 4- triumph of the yorkists > Flashcards
unit 4- triumph of the yorkists Flashcards
what were Edwards strengths at the start of his reign? 1461
- skilled soldier
- legitimate claim to the throne
- young
- god on his side
- triumphed in battle
what were Edwards weaknesses at the start of his reign? (1461)
-he was only 18
-inexperienced as he didn’t expect to be king when he was born
-reliant on Warwick
-usurper??
what opportunities did Edward have at the start of his reign? (1461)
- seen as a ‘fresh start’ after 10 years of conflict
- not his father
- appears better than Henry VI
- powerful supporters i.e. Nevilles
- Lancastrian nobility significantly reduced following Towton
what threats did Edward have at the start of his reign? 1461
- a demanding task to run the country and restore order
- lacks control of some parts of the country - North and Wales
- Henry and family still alive
- lacks loyalty from many nobles
- many nobles still loyal to Henry
- rivalries and feuds worsened by battles
what happened when Edward first assumed control?
he returned and was crowned on the 28th June 1461, but he struggled to impose his authority
where was Lancastrian opposition strongest?
The North- specifically Northumberland
Who supported Margaret and Henry (financially, military)
France and Scotland
3 northern castles Edward recaptured from the Lancastrians
Alnwick, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh
Who was Edward’s main source of support in Wales?
William Herbert
Which Welsh castle remained in Lancastrian hands until 1468?
Harlech Castle
Who were the main Lancastrian nobles Edward tried to win over?
Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, Sir Ralph Percy
How did he try to do this? gain favour
Welcome Somerset at court – hunting etc
Gives Percy Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh castles – show trust
Name the two resulting battles
Battle Hedgeley Moor, April 1464
Battle of Hexham, 3 weeks later
What was the outcome of these battles? Hedgeley Moor
Percy and Somerset killed
Margaret and son flee to France
Henry eventually captured
Give one of Edward’s foreign policy successes
Truces with James III of Scotland and Louis XI of France
Negotiations with Duke of Burgundy
Name two people involved in threatsagainst Edward in 1468
Lord Wenlock (a supporter ofWarwick)
Hungerfords and Courtenays and the Earl of Oxford
Give one factor outside of Edward’s control that made opposition hard to stop
Continuing loyalty to Henry – saw Edward as usurper – undermined authority and doubts over how long last on throne
Past enmities and deaths in battles 1455-61 – some never accept Edward, opposition only option.
How far was Edward IV responsible for the failure of Lancastrian opposition to 1464? was responsible
Policy of conciliation meant many Lancastrians supported Edward IV
Also met with public expectations of restoring unity – not worsening divisions
Edward couldn’t be everywhere and Nevilles were successful.
Killing innocent Henry in cold blood risked outraging nobles and further opposition.
Law and order restored in some regions, gov. improved.
Crown’s finances improve.
How far was Edward IV responsible for the failure of Lancastrian opposition to 1464? other factors
Over-confident in ability – Percy and Somerset go back to Lancastrians.
Relying on Nevilles too much – not do enough himself – reinforces view that Warwick has the true power.
Failed to kill Henry – rallying point for opposition.
Some disorder continued in some counties.
National debt still high.
*Over-rewards family and friends = resentment from both Lancastrians and Yorkists
*Deposed easily in 1469 – shows not fully restored law and order nor secure and consolidate position.
Edward IV should take the credit for dealing with Lancastrian opposition to 1464
An attempted attack by Margaret in October 1462 failed and she fled back to France - Edward IV had sent a large army to stop her, which she was unwilling to face. Edward then followed this up by agreeing truces with Scotland and France, thus ending foreign support for the Lancastrian cause by late 1463; it meant Henry VI and family were no longer welcome in Scotland or France, leading to the isolation of the Lancastrians.
Edward IV adopted a policy of conciliation to gain the support of Lancastrians - he knew he needed to win them over to secure his position (and prevent their continuing support for Henry VI), building bridges with the heirs of those he had killed and allowing them to retain their titles, property and position.
He had only 14 Lancastrian nobles who had fought against him at Towton attainted; most of these had been killed at the battle and others, such as the Duke of Exeter and Earl of Pembroke, hadn’t yet submitted to Edward.
He allowed the families of under-age heirs to keep control of the estates until they came of age, rather than Edward IV taking control of them himself.
Edward’s policy of conciliation successful to some extent - when Henry VI returned in 1462 few local gentry rose in support; no major risings in north; When Henry VI captured in 1465 he was betrayed by local gentry.
Successful in Wales. Several castles in hands of Lancastrians in 1461, but, under leadership of William Herbert and Walter Devereux, appointed by Edward IV, the Yorkists took Pembroke Castle from Jasper Tudor by October 1461, and Lancastrians near Caernarvon defeated in north Wales. However, Harlech Castle remained in Lancastrian hands until 1468.
in depth other reasons: pt 2
Henry VI was a weak king. Periodically mentally ill and incapable of effective leadership; he wasn’t present at Towton to motivate and lead his army; Margaret of Anjou was unpopular; Prince Edward was under age. Therefore the three didn’t appear to pose much of a threat.
Edward’s policy of conciliation wasn’t always successful; Sir Ralph Percy (father killed at St Albans in 1455, and his elder brother killed at Towton) refused to submit to Edward, so he sent Warwick to capture the northern castles of Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh and Alnwick, which had remained in Lancastrian hands - by August 1462 Warwick had them under his control. Edward then made the mistake of returning Dunstanburgh Castle to Ralph Percy, allowing him to remain Constable there. But Percy then handed the castle over to Henry VI and Margaret in October 1462. Again the castle was recaptured by the Yorkists and again Percy was forgiven - but Percy never stayed on side - he fought against Edward at Hedgeley Moor in April 1464, where he was killed fighting for the Lancastrians.
A second example of the failure of Edward’s policy of conciliation: Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, fled to Scotland with the Lancastrian royal family, taking control of Bamburgh Castle in 1462. The castle was taken off him by Warwick by August that year. Edward forgave him and befriended Somerset, who then helped Edward to recapture Alnwick castle in 1463 - but again, this support didn’t last; Somerset became involved in Lancastrian actions in the north, using Bamburgh castle as his base. He tried to prevent the Anglo-Scottish truce negotiations by ambushing Montagu who was escorting the envoys, but in April 1464 he was successfully fought off by Montagu at Hedgeley Moor (near Alnwick), where Percy was killed. Somerset was later killed fighting for the Lancastrian cause as the Battle of Hexham in May 1464.
in depth other reasons pt 3:
Edward didn’t lead his army at Hedgeley Moor or Hexham; led by John Neville, Lord Montagu, the Earl of Warwick’s brother. In any case, Henry VI and Margaret escaped; Henry to the north-west of England, Margaret and Prince Edward to France where she could gather support.
He often relied on Warwick and other Yorkist leaders to deal with the Lancastrian opponents. Margaret was backed by the Scots, James III, laying siege to the border town of Norham on Tweed in July 1463. Edward failed to raise enough money from Parliament to raise an army, instead Warwick and Montagu confronted the Scots at Norham and the Scots force fled.
Henry VI managed to evade capture for one year, sheltered by Lancastrian sympathisers, but was discovered by Yorkists (members of the Talbot family), captured and handed over to Edward IV where after he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in July 1465.
Foreign support for Margaret of Anjou was ineffective. In April 1461, Margaret made a deal with Scotland to hand over Berwick in return for military support. She also persuaded Louis XI to support her in return for handing over Calais, as part of the Treaty of Chinon. Louis then backed her invasion in October 1462 (landed in Northumberland). But Louis’ support was less than she wanted as he realised taking control of Calais would not be simple in the face of opposition from Burgundy, so her invasion force only numbered about 800.
Failed to deal fully with Lancastrian opposition. Didn’t take control of all Wales - Harlech Castle remained in Lancastrian hands until 1468. Mistaken policy to keep Henry VI alive - figurehead for Lancastrian opposition (as well as son). Policy of conciliation overall was mistaken - could Edward IV expect Lancastrians to forgive and forget murder of members of their own family.
Deposed easily in 1469 – shows not fully restored law and order nor secure and consolidate position.
Impact of Woodville marriage on foreign relations
Conference due in October 1464 between Edward IV and Louis XI of France was cancelled as a result of the revelation of Edward’s marriage to Elizabeth in September 1464.
This left England without a French ally.
However, it had no other evident impact on relations between the two countries in the short-term.
Probably effected the French decision, in the long-term, to back Warwick and Margaret of Anjou in rebellion 1469-71.
Political impact of Woodville marriage
Edward’s failure to discuss a potential marriage with his leading nobles first, as was custom, led to resentment, especially from Warwick.
Resented by nobility because elevation of Woodville family was seen as excluding leading nobles families from their rightful position as Edward’s closest advisors - certainly Warwick felt this.
The secrecy of the marriage until September 1464 made it appear that Edward was afraid of Warwick and therefore made him look weak.
Elizabeth was considered unsuitable (minor gentry) as Queen - expected to make foreign alliance - this led to Edward’s political judgement being questioned.
Impact of Woodville marriage on Nobility and Edward’s relationship with them
Marriages resented by Warwick since there were few of the leading nobles left for marriage to his daughters, Isobel and Anne. Tried to arrange marriages to Edward’s brothers, Clarence and Richard, but Edward refused, fearing it would give Warwick too much power.
Titles/positions also given to some of the Woodville family e.g.
Richard Woodville, Lord Rivers (Elizabeth’s father), made Earl Rivers and made Constable and Treasurer of England
Anthony Woodville was given key role at court.
Impact of Woodville marriage on Nobility and Edward’s relationship with them
Edward IV needed to elevate Elizabeth’s family to a level suitable for royal relatives – but simultaneously couldn’t afford to alienate nobles.
Suitable marriages with leading noble families arranged between October 1464 and October 1466, although they were not given excessive lands.
Most notable marriages:
Thomas Grey (Elizabeth’s son from first marriage) married to Anne Holland, heiress to duchy of Exeter. Elizabeth Woodville paid a huge sum for the marriage as Anne was already betrothed to George Neville, Warwick’s nephew.
John Woodville (Elizabeth’s brother) married to Warwick’s 65-year-old aunt (he was 20) Catherine Neville, Duchess of Norfolk, who had already been married three times previously.
Katherine Woodville (Elizabeth’s sister) married to Henry Stafford, still a child and heir to the Duke of Buckingham.
William Herbert, one of Edward IV’s ‘new’ men, married to Mary Woodville (another of Elizabeth’s sisters)
Impact of Woodville marriage on growth of opposition
Elizabeth kept a modest household and stayed largely in the background of political life – this reduced resentment to some extent.
However, the unsuitability of the marriage was used by Warwick to attack Edward.
Warwick resented (perceived) exclusion from power and declining influence (did Warwick assume he would be the puppet master?) over Edward, shown by secrecy of marriage. However, his declining influence was also due to the elevation of ‘new’ men e.g. Hastings, Herbert (more of this later), not just because of the Woodville marriage.
Warwick also felt completely humiliated and undermined as he had been allowed to continue marriage negotiations with France, for a marriage alliance between Bona of Savoy and Edward IV. His lack of influence over Edward was therefore public.
Elizabeth and Woodville family were unpopular; perceived as greedy and presented as manipulators of Edward (which again made him look weak). Warwick played on this when he rebelled.
However, how genuine was Warwick’s, and other nobles’, hatred of Elizabeth and other members of the Woodville family? He, and Clarence, escorted Elizabeth to her first public showing at Reading Abbey on 29 September 1464, and most of the nobility turned out for her coronation in May 1465.
why was the marriage to Elizabeth Woodville a mistake?
Edward IV had failed to use marriage to achieve diplomatic advantages
It was frowned upon given Elizabeth’s ‘unsuitable’ background and lack of political advantage, especially given the secrecy for 6 months – it suggested weakness and a possible fear of Warwick.
It provided Warwick with a method to attack Edward IV; he used the marriage and resentment of the Woodville family as propaganda to rally support for his rebellion in 1469-70; the Woodvilles were presented as greedy and manipulative, dominating a weak Edward and were responsible for the exclusion of the old noble families from power.
what were Edwards aims as a king?
Achieve stability by governing the country effectively.
Strengthen royal authority and government of the country through the use of ‘new’ men of ability (rather than just established nobles) such as Hastings.
Restore law and order throughout England.
law and order aims:
perceived lack of law and order under Henry VI; many complaints about government corruption and lack of justice, so Edward needed restore faith in the crown in order to restore law and order.
what were the successes of law and order?
Edward toured areas where there had been unrest, especially the Midlands and the north; personally involved in trials for treason. Dealt with some issues forcefully
Tried to deal with over-mighty nobles by restricting liveries and, in 1468, making most forms of retaining illegal and ensuring that Edward controlled who was licensed to have retainers.
what were the failures of law and order under Edward
failed to enforce law on retaining.
Increase in disorder towards end of first reign showed policies not effective. Protests due to poor harvests and economic problems, but also complaints about Edward having wasting taxpayers money that had been granted for war, when no wars took place. Disorder encouraged by Warwick.
Feuding between nobles re-emerged e.g. dispute between the Berkley’s and Talbot’s over inheritance, which resulted in a private war between them and eventually the battle of Nibley Green (1470). Also, Grey vs Vernon (Derby); Percy retainers (Yorkshire); Kent riot against Rivers (grievances similar to Cade).
Increase in disorder signaled lack of faith in the King’s ability to sort out problems, although Warwick was at the root of much of the unrest.
royal finances aims:
to make crown solvent and improve credit-worthiness; increase crown income which had fallen under Henry VI.
royal finances successes:
Improved financial position of crown (e.g. reduced cost of household) so that London merchants were willing to loan money to Edward.
Parliament were also willing to grant taxes for war (1463 with Scotland; 1468 with France) which reflected confidence in Edward.
Edward IV increased crown income from customs duties; granted duties for life in 1465. He achieved this through truces and commercial treaties with Burgundy (1467), the latter of which led to a doubling of cloth exports.
Exploited royal estates more efficiently. In 1461 set up administrative body to oversee royal estates and ensure payments were made. He also revised old system where there were fixed, very low, rents on land, ensuring crown lands were rented out at higher rates.
Edward introduced a new system that allowed him to gain direct control over crown income. Crown income went to the exchequer under the old system, but it was inefficient and slow, so Edward set up the chamber system, where incomes from land went directly to the king’s household chamber, which dealt with finances more quickly and efficiently, and was directly controlled by the king and his most trusted officials, thus reducing opportunities for corruption.
royal finances aims:
to make crown solvent and improve credit-worthiness; increase crown income which had fallen under Henry VI.
royal finances failures:
Impact (i.e. benefits) of these changes were not really seen until Edward’s second reign; lack of war and political stability in Edward’s first reign had more of an immediate and beneficial impact on crown finances.
(Time of economic recession) – Less income – less customs revenue as less trade
Financial policies were worthy but unremarkable
War did not take place due to rebellions in England – Money went to Edward’s pocket, paid for household = complaint and dissatisfaction – not in control
royal court aims, successes and failures
Aims: provide inspirational leadership; unify the country and restore order.
Successes:
Showed off rich clothes and fashion – appeared kingly
Realises the importance of spectacle – displays wealth – tournaments and Queen’s coronation
Compares favourably with other European rulers
Failures:
Would increase expenditure (link to finance)
what were the aims and successes of the relationship with the nobility
Aims: Unify the country; provide leadership; deal effectively with the nobility and get their support.
Policy of pardon and reconciliation for Lancastrians who had opposed him aimed at gaining support and repairing divisions.
He gave positions and rewards to both Yorkists and Lancastrians for the same reason.
Created or revived 32 noble titles, 22 of which were given during his first reign to bolster a wide circle of support.
Created new nobles who were loyal to Edward IV e.g.:
William, Lord Hastings, became Edward’s closest friend and advisor; made head of Edward’s household; given extensive lands and power in Midlands (Ashby Castle!)
William, Lord Herbert, made Earl of Pembroke in 1468 and given control over Wales - important given its tendency for Lancastrian support.
He was cautious in the amount of land and power he gave to the Woodvilles in order to avoid alienating the nobility.
He rewarded John Neville (Warwick’s brother) - made Lord Montagu in 1461, then made Earl of Northumberland in 1464 and given extensive lands there, at the expense of the Lancastrian Percy’s. Therefore controlled north and John stayed loyal at the start of Warwick’s rebellion.
relationship with the nobility failures:
Didn’t have the resources to reward all, so he exploited defeated Lancastrian enemies, redistributing titles, offices and estates. This bred resentment and prolonged the possibility of conflict e.g. Battles of Hedgeley Moor and Hexham in 1464.
In 1470 Edward took John Neville’s title of Earl of Northumberland off him and returned it to the Percy heir. He did compensate him with lands and titles elsewhere (south-west) but this clearly wasn’t acceptable because when Warwick rebelled again, he joined him. So Edward’s policy of returning title and land to Percy failed.
Failed to understand Warwick’s strength of feeling about his marriage and perceived exclusion from power.
Clarence joined Warwick in the rebellion, so his policy of rewarding loyalty also failed in this case.
Although Edward tried to build a wide body of supportive nobility, the reality was that he relied on a small group of men to run the country and the confiscated estates ended up in the hands of a privileged few e.g. his brothers and favoured individuals such as Hastings and Herbert.
