Why were the Yorkists able to return to dominance in 1460?

Question 1

Warwick’s actions - Loyalty of Calais garrison

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Warwick’s actions - Armed escorts for traders

Answer 2

Warwick provided armed escorts for traders at Calais to ensure that it remained viable and profitable.

Question 3

Warwick’s actions - Victorious against Somerset’s assault

Answer 3

Warwick’s forces were victorious against Somerset’s assault on Calais at Newnham Bridge in April 1460.

Question 4

Warwick’s actions - Diplomatic recognition

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Warwick’s actions - Attacks on Somerset’s ships

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Warwick’s actions - Loans and support

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Warwick’s actions - Popularity and support

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Richard of York’s actions - Division of Lancastrian resources

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Richard of York’s actions - Marriage alliance with James II

Answer 9

Richard of York made a marriage alliance with James II of Scotland.

Question 10

Richard of York’s actions - Control over Irish administration

Answer 10

York tightened his control over the administration in Ireland by summoning an Irish parliament to Drogheda and appointing his son Edmund as Irish chancellor.

Question 11

Richard of York’s actions - Recruitment of military force

Answer 11

York was able to recruit a small military force to assist him in his planned invasion of England.

Question 12

Richard of York’s actions - Claim to the throne

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Failure of Henry VI’s government - Ineffectiveness of appointed officials

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Failure of Henry VI’s government - Alienation of the Venetians

Answer 14

The Lancastrian government alienated the Venetians by attempting to commandeer their ships, leading many to escape before their ships could be seized.

Question 15

Failure of Henry VI’s government - Regional polarisation

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

How did the Venetians react to the Lancastrian government’s attempt to commandeer their ships?

Answer 16

Many Venetians escaped before their ships could be seized.

Example sentence: The Venetians were alienated by the government’s actions.

Question 17

What naval methods did the Lancastrian government fail to prevent?

Answer 17

Naval raids on Sandwich, communication between Calais and Ireland, and the Yorkist landing in England.

None

Question 18

What regional polarisation did the Lancastrians create?

Answer 18

They concentrated power and control in the midlands and the north-west.

None

Question 19

What was the result of the government’s appeal for loans in March 1460?

Answer 19

It met with disappointing results.

None

Question 20

What were the unpopular methods used to raise taxes in early 1460?

Answer 20

The methods used by Wiltshire as treasurer.

Identified in Yorkist propaganda after the invasion.

Question 21

What grievances were cited by the Yorkists in 1460?

Answer 21

Many of the same grievances that the rebels in Kent had complained of in 1450.

None

Question 22

How did the Lancastrian government’s commercial policies affect the merchants of London?

Answer 22

They alienated many merchants, leading to trade decline in an economic recession.

Resentment against perceived favour of foreign merchants.

Question 23

What was the outcome of the Lancastrian government’s efforts to get the Genoese vessels for defence?

Answer 23

They were successful in getting the Genoese to make their vessels available.

None