Why was the Duke of Clarence executed in 1478? Flashcards
Clarence’s actions- What were Clarence’s previous actions between 1469 and 1471?
Clarence acted treasonously against Edward IV
married Isabel Neville in secret (July 1469)
captured and imprisoned his brother (1469)
allied with Warwick and Margaret of Anjou
was recognized as next in line to the throne if the House of Lancaster became extinct in the male line.
Example sentence: Clarence’s actions against Edward IV led to his recognition as the heir of the House of York.
Clarence’s actions- What were Clarence’s actions in 1477-78?
- Clarence shunned the royal court
- encouraged rumors that Edward was a bastard
- mistreated Ankarette Twynho in April 1477
- used Dr. John Goddard to refute charges against Thomas Burdett in 1477
Example sentence: Clarence’s behavior towards Ankarette Twynho highlighted his disregard for justice.
Clarence’s actions- What were the limitations of Clarence’s actions?
- Clarence had been pardoned for his acts before 1471
- there is no contemporary evidence of treasonous plots during the second reign
-his claim to succeed Henry VI may have been fabricated.
Example sentence: The lack of evidence of Clarence’s involvement in treasonous plots raises doubts about his true intentions.
Influence of the Woodvilles- Who co-authored the manifesto with Warwick in 1469 that called for the downfall of the Woodvilles?
George
George had co-authored the manifesto with Warwick in 1469 that called for the downfall of the Woodvilles
Influence of the Woodvilles- Who captured and executed Elizabeth Woodville’s father and brother?
George
In alliance with Warwick, George had captured and executed Elizabeth Woodville’s father, Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers and her brother John Woodville.
Influence of the Woodvilles- Who orchestrated accusations of witchcraft against Elizabeth Woodville’s mother in 1469?
Warwick
George’s ally Warwick had orchestrated accusations of witchcraft made against Elizabeth Woodville’s mother, Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, in 1469.
Influence of the Woodvilles- What did Clarence cast doubt upon?
The legitimacy of Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville
It is alleged that Clarence had cast doubt upon the legitimacy of Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville (as well as the king’s own legitimacy) and thus on the legitimacy of her position and that of all of her children by the king.
Influence of the Woodvilles- Who argued that the Woodvilles constituted the most powerful faction in the parliament that condemned the duke?
Michael Hicks
The historian, Michael Hicks, has argued that the Woodvilles constituted the most powerful faction in the parliament that condemned the duke and he blames them.
Influence of the Woodvilles- What is the main contemporary source for the limitations mentioned?
Mancini
Mancini is the main contemporary source for this and he was heavily influenced by the actions of the family in 1483 and the anti-Woodville propaganda of Richard III.
Influence of the Woodvilles- What assumptions have been made about the unity of the Woodville affinity?
Assumptions have been made about the unity of the Woodville affinity - Hastings‘ had then been more hostile to the woodvilles even tho his step daughter was married to Thomas grey
Influence of the Woodvilles- How could Parliament be packed?
Parliament could not have been packed without royal consent.
Why did Edward IV fear that his international rivals were attempting to exploit the ambitions of his brother?
Edward feared that his international rivals were attempting to exploit the ambitions of his brother and thwarted his marriage plans. Louis XI fanned Edward’s suspicions by reporting remarks credited to Duchess Margaret about what Clarence would do in England if he became master of Burgundy. James III’s offer to marry Clarence to his sister Margaret was equally rebuffed.
Example sentence: Edward IV feared Clarence’s ambitions as demonstrated by Clarence’s desire to marry Mary of Burgundy.
What warning did Clarence ignore that led to his arrest?
Clarence ignored the warning implicit in the political trial of his man Thomas Burdett for allegedly using magic to seek the king’s death. Edward had Clarence arrested, put him on trial, and led the indictment against his brother. In such a circumstance no defence of Clarence was realistically possible.
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Why did Edward refuse to allow Clarence to defend himself by combat?
Edward refused to allow Clarence to defend himself by combat. The parliament that heard Clarence’s trial was deliberately filled with an exceptionally high proportion of royal servants and retainers of court peers. Edward accepted the verdict of parliament and the plea of the commons to execute Clarence.
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Why did Edward ultimately decide to execute Clarence?
Clarence’s numerous betrayals had been repeatedly pardoned by Edward IV, but his continuing betrayals ultimately put Edward in such a difficult position that it was impossible for the king to continually overlook Clarence’s treasons if he wished his family and regime to remain secure.
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