Wars of the Roses

Question 1

Describe the events of the Loss of Normandy (1450)

Answer 1

• Somerset refused to vacate the territory of Maine, even after receiving letters from the King commanding him to do so.
• After an attack on Normandy was launched, Somerset made no obvious attempt to coordinate the large number of men at his disposal, and his several heavily fortified strongholds.
• Suffolk was gathering 2500 men in England, but they were delayed crossing the channel due to bad weather.
• These men ransacked several towns in the meanwhile. The Bishop of Chichester (who was raising funds to repay them the wages they were owed) was killed, amongst his dying words he proclaimed that Suffolk was to blame and that he was pocketing money that was supposed to be compensation for those who lost territory in Maine.
• Somerset and Suffolk were quickly blamed as they were perceived as greedy, incompetent and failures. Demoralised soldiers returned to England, seeking a Baron to pay homage to, meaning private armies were rising in power.

Question 2

Describe the origins of the York/Somerset feud

Answer 2

• York was excluded as Somerset and Suffolk led a court faction that allowed them to monopolise the royal patronage.
• Somerset was given York’s title of military commander of France prior to the loss of Normandy in 1450.
• York suspected Somerset of having ‘Kingly Ambitions’. York became heir presumptive following the death of Henry VI’s Uncle.
• York was angry because he is owed £8000 by the crown- he even pressed for a new role and repayment.

Question 3

Describe the Fall of Suffolk (January 1450)

Answer 3

• Suffolk was largely blamed for the Loss of Normandy.
• Suffolk was later charged with treason, misgovernment, mismanaging the war and financial corruption.
• Was imprisoned in the Tower of London, but Henry VI rescued him and exiled him for 5 years.
• Henry provided him with a ship, but Suffolk was captured after departing and executed by ‘Nicholas of the Tower’ on behalf of the ‘Community of the Realm’.

Question 4

What did Jack Cade and the rebels demand?

Answer 4

• The removal and punishment of royal officials found guilty of corruption and misgovernment in Kent.
• The restoration of law and order.
• The removal of the ‘Evil Councillors’.
• The appointment of the Dukes of York, Buckingham and Exeter to the royal council.

Question 5

Name 1 person executed during Cade’s Rebellion

Answer 5

Lord Saye (the King’s treasurer)

Question 6

After leaving Ireland, York presented the King with a list of grievances, what did the bills of complaint state?

Answer 6

• First Bill: A list of personal grievances concerning York’s position as heir, his debts and his frequent ignored advice.
• Second Bill: A list of general grievances that echoed what Cade’s rebels wanted.

Question 7

Describe what happened following Cade’s Rebellion and the presentation of York’s grievances

Answer 7

• York arrived backed by a force of 3000 armed retainers.
• York was appointed to the royal council, a more effective act of resumption was passed.
• York’s debts were not reimbursed, his position as heir-presumptive was not legally recognised.
• Somerset was made Captain of Calais.

Question 8

Describe York’s influence in the Bonville-Courtenay dispute in September 1451

Answer 8

• Thomas Courtenay (Earl of Devon) and Lord Bonville argued over who should be Steward of the Duchy of Cornwall.
• Courtenay took an army to Somerset and defeated Wiltshire’s (allied with Bonville) forces. He later sieged Bonville’s men in Taunton.
• York appeared with 2000 men and intervened and tried to broker peace.
• This highlighted Henry VI’s lack of authority as 4 private armies had taken to battle and York had seemingly taken a ‘Kingly’ move by intervening.

Question 9

Describe the events of Dartford in 1452

Answer 9

• After 1450, Somerset had been sent to Calais. In 1451, Anjou welcomed Somerset back to the royal court and was appointed ‘Constable of England’, hence making him in charge of all naval and armed forces.
• Richard, out of fear of being accused of treason, issued a proclamation that all he had done since has return had been constitutional and that all he sought was for the removal of evil councillors.
• 3rd February: York called upon Shrewsbury to raise a force and join him in removing the councillors.
• A royal army subsequently marched out of London to block York’s passage. The city gates were shut to York and therefore he raised an army in Dartford.
• The Earl of Salisbury and the Earl of Warwick were sent to Richard’s tent to negotiate. York declared that he felt as though he should be recognised at heir-apparent and that Somerset should be arrested.
• Henry VI ordered the Captain of his Guard to arrest Somerset after receiving advice to replace his chief advisor with Richard.
• Anjou was angered by this.
• Richard arrived at the King’s tent and was arrested.
• Henry VI overruled Anjou who called for York’s execution and pardoned him.
• Spring 1452: York is in Ludlow and has wrote a list of allegations against Somerset.