Why did the Lancastrians lose the throne? (1461)

Question 1

What were the 4 main reasons for the Lancastrians losing the throne?

Answer 1

Long-term Lancastrian Errors;
Lancastrian Errors 1460-61;
Actions of the Nevilles;
Actions of Edward IV

Question 2

Long-term Lancastrian Errors

Answer 2

• Margaret’s Dominance: rule 1456-60 alienated non-Lancs and turned Lancs into a private powerbase, which undermined the claim as rightful heirs,
  moving court to Coventry alienated London,
  appointed household members as Sheriffs in late 1450s shows lack of gentry support,
  Margaret was unpopular so many wanted to just remove her even if it meant replacing Henry

CA: still had strong nobility support (e.g. Beauforts, Percies, Cliffords, Talbots, Staffords, Courtenays)

Question 3

Lancastrian Errors 1460-61

Answer 3

• Regional Polarisation: allying with Scotland created distrust in London,
  perception of “barbaric” Northern army who looted Grantham, Stamford and St. Albans Abbey created fear, so turned away on 22nd Feb 1461,
  failure to return to London after Northampton (10th July 1460) reinforced national disunity
• Towton: Henry’s absence (since it was Palm Sunday) was uninspiring, unlike Edward IV,
  poor positioning against Cock Beck made retreat dangerous and risky

CA: “Northern” army was not just Northern so must be another reason for unpopularity, wind + snow at Towton was out of control

Question 4

Actions of the Nevilles

Answer 4

• George Neville: Bishop of Exeter organised Edward’s entry to London on 27th Feb 1461,
  declared Edward as King during sermons on 1st Mar and 4th Mar 1461
• Warwick: Coppini remarked Warwick was a “King-maker” shows dominance,
  raised forces in Lanc-dominant midlands for Towton and dealt with resistance in midlands by executing the “bastard of Exeter” at Coventry
• Towton: William Neville (Lord Fauconberg) led Yorkist vanguard and commanded extremely successful archers,
  Warwick fought and injured at Ferrybridge (28th Mar 1461)

CA: Warwick defeated at Second Battle of St. Albans, losing Henry VI, so not militarily perfect

Question 5

Actions of Edward IV

Answer 5

• Militarily Prowess: key at Northampton (10th Jul 1460) and led force at Mortimer’s Cross (2nd Feb 1461),
  used Parhelion to lead men at MC,
  exploited Lanc retreat to rapidly take control of London
• Independence: secured support of traditional Yorkists with no affiliation with Nevilles (e.g. William Herbert) to build independence,
  gathered men from his lands in Welsh Marches,
  led on his own at Mortimer’s Cross
• Towton: moved quickly from London on 13th Mar 1461 and slowed near Pontefract to gather more men,
  took control of failing left wing and killed his horse to symbolise he wouldn’t flee,
  presence was big morale boost unlike Lancs

CA: saved by late arrival of Norfolk?