What were the consequences of Richard of York's claim to the throne? (1460-61)

Question 1

What were the 4 main consequences of York’s claim to the throne?

Answer 1

Tensions between the Yorkists;
Support for Margaret;
Dynastic Conflict;
Margaret’s Scottish Alliance

Question 2

Tensions between the Yorkists

Answer 2

• Nevilles: Salisbury was furious when York evicted Henry from his royal chambers,
  led to a furious row between York + Rutland vs Warwick,
  all previous oaths of loyalty (Dartford, St. Albans, Coppini, Northampton) were broken (perjury)
• Bourchiers: Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Bourchier was alienated by York’s attempts to remove Henry (which as key because a King was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury)
• General Yorkists: many retainers refused their contracts when it became clear they must displace Henry

Question 3

Support for Margaret

Answer 3

• Nobility: Northern lords (e.g. Northumberland + Clifford) encouraged her active resistance,
  Southern lords (Somerset + Devon) gathered forces,
  Margaret’s forces rendezvous at Hull to coordinate an attack by Exeter
• Public: anti-Yorkists gather at city of York to protest, surprising Yorkists in London

Question 4

Dynastic Conflict

Answer 4

• Act of Accord: it was signed on the 25th Oct 1456 and meant the only way to prevent a Yorkist King was war,
  disinherited Edward of Wales so incensed Margaret,
  needed to put down resistance so began Northern campaign of late 1460

Question 5

Margaret’s Alliance

Answer 5

• Scotland: at the time of the Battle of Wakefield, Margaret was in Scotland impressing James III’s mother Mary of Guelders,
  agreed marriage of James’ sister and Ed of Wales, with Berwick as dowry,
  hoped this would also secure Charles VII of France,
  term made public on 20th Jan in York