Why were the Yorkists able to return to dominance in 1460? Flashcards
Warwick’s actions - Loyalty of Calais garrison
Warwick kept the loyalty of the Calais garrison even though they had been unpaid since 1456. The garrison fired upon Somerset’s forces when they approached in November 1459.
Warwick’s actions - Armed escorts for traders
Warwick provided armed escorts for traders at Calais to ensure that it remained viable and profitable.
Warwick’s actions - Victorious against Somerset’s assault
Warwick’s forces were victorious against Somerset’s assault on Calais at Newnham Bridge in April 1460.
Warwick’s actions - Diplomatic recognition
Warwick arranged a three-month truce with Burgundy between the end of November 1459 and February 1460. He gained the support of the papal legate, Francesco Coppini.
Warwick’s actions - Attacks on Somerset’s ships
Warwick organised attacks on Somerset’s ships and when he seized them he personally interrogated the crews, identified defectors from him at Ludford Bridge, and had them executed.
Warwick’s actions - Loans and support
Warwick arranged a massive loan of £18,000 from the Staplers of Calais which helped to fund his expedition to Ireland and the subsequent invasion of England. He gained loans from merchants of London after his invasion.
Warwick’s actions - Popularity and support
Warwick’s popularity in South East England gave the Yorkists a hospitable destination for their invasion. He persuaded Lord Grey to defect during the Battle of Northampton.
Richard of York’s actions - Division of Lancastrian resources
York’s presence in Ireland, with the threat of invasion into Wales and North-West England, divided the resources of the Lancastrian government, preventing them fully committing to South-East England.
Richard of York’s actions - Marriage alliance with James II
Richard of York made a marriage alliance with James II of Scotland.
Richard of York’s actions - Control over Irish administration
York tightened his control over the administration in Ireland by summoning an Irish parliament to Drogheda and appointing his son Edmund as Irish chancellor.
Richard of York’s actions - Recruitment of military force
York was able to recruit a small military force to assist him in his planned invasion of England.
Richard of York’s actions - Claim to the throne
York’s claim to the throne in October 1460 led to the Act of Accord, which cemented a Yorkist succession to the throne upon the death of Henry VI. His political dominance as the effective regent was secured.
Failure of Henry VI’s government - Ineffectiveness of appointed officials
The sheriff of Devon and the Duke of Exeter were appointed to seek out and destroy Warwick and the Yorkists, but both were unsuccessful in their attempts.
Failure of Henry VI’s government - Alienation of the Venetians
The Lancastrian government alienated the Venetians by attempting to commandeer their ships, leading many to escape before their ships could be seized.
Failure of Henry VI’s government - Regional polarisation
The Lancastrians had created regional polarisation by concentrating their power and control in the midlands and the north-west, causing doubts about the loyalty of southern England.
