Wars of the Roses Sources Flashcards
Who was in the ‘evil counsel’?
Bishops of Salisbury and Chichester
Lord Say, the treasurer
Earl of Suffolk
What were passed in 1450 and 1451 to reclaim land Henry had gifted out?
Acts of Resumption
How did England break the truce in 1449?
Attacked fortress at Fougeres.
Why did Henry face such financial difficulty?
-He inherited significant debt from his father.
-Income decreased from crown lands due to his generosity.
-Parliament was reluctant to grant taxes.
-Income from custom revenues had decreased.
Which region of France did Somerset lose in cowardly circumstances?
Somerset surrendered Rouen in exchange for a safe passage home.
What are reasons for animosity between York and Somerset?
i) York resented being replaced by Somerset as Lieutenant General in France
ii) York was made Lieutenant General in Ireland, considered to be a political exile.
iii) York blamed Somerset for key losses
iv) Somerset had his loans repaid more promptly
v) York felt he was being excluded from his rightful place as principal advisor to the King
vi) York lost assets as a result of Somerset’s actions
Why was there resentment at French losses?
i) Fear of a French invasion, especially in Kent and Sussex
ii) Cost of financing war in France
iii) Many lost land in France
Why did England lose their land in France?
i) More capable French King
ii) Loss of Burgundian alliance
iii) Financial weakness
What was agreed at the Truce of Tours? (1444)
- marriage of Henry VI to Margaret of Anjou
- surrender of Anjou
- secret surrender of Maine
What was the name that Jack Cade used?
John Mortimer, which was a Yorkist name
What did Cade’s rebels want?
Political reform, the inclusion of the Duke of York near the top of government.
Why did Cade’s rebellion fail?
The people of London were frustrated with the looting and pillaging, they took to the streets and drove the rebels out. The King had gone to seek refuge in Warwickshire.
What were reasons why York returned to England in 1450?
i) To clear his name
ii) To get his loans repaid
iii) To protect his position as heir presumptive
iv) To remove Somerset
v) To bring justice and end corruption
vi) To take the throne?
The true motivation for York’s return were probably a combination of the above.
Why did the 1452 Dartford Coup fail?
York had only the support of William Courtenay, Earl of Devon. There was a reluctance to rebel after Cade’s Rebellion.
When was Henry’s mental illness?
August 1453 to January 1455
What was the impact of Henry’s illness?
The Nevilles were unable to gain justice after a group were attacked by the Percys. As a result, they switched to support York. In March, the death of Cardinal Kemp meant that government could not function without a chancellor. Two days later, York was appointed to the Protectorate.
What happened to Somerset under York’s First Protectorate?
Somerset was arrested upon allegations made by Norfolk, and sent to the Tower of London.
Who were alternatives to York as protector in 1454?
Margaret of Anjou
Duke of Exeter
How did York try to widen his base of support during his first protectorate?
He did not remove Lord Bonville from his position in Devon. This annoyed Courtenay so much that he fought for the King at the First Battle of St Albans.
How did York favour his supporters during his first protectorate?
York favoured the Nevilles in their dispute with the Percys. The Earl of Salisbury was made chancellor. The treatment of Somerset undermined York’s claim to impartiality.
What reforms did York introduce during his first protectorate?
- He limited the royal household expenditure to £5,193 in 1455 compared to the £24,000 it had been in 1450.
- Reformed the navy to protect merchant shipping in the Channel
How did York deal with a rebellion from Exeter and the Percys?
York reacted with vigour and gathered an army. Exeter fled and the Percys were defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge (November 1454).
What was the impact of Henry’s recovery in early 1455?
Somerset was released, York and the Nevilles left court. The two rival camps had been cemented by Henry’s recovery and his resumption of narrow government focused on Somerset and his supporters.
Why was Warwick instrumental for the Yorkist victory at the First Battle of St Albans (1455)?
He showed himself capable of quick thinking, ordering an attack through the gardens and into the houses, which were then torn down to provide an entry point.
