Weakness of Henry VI Flashcards
1
Q
Henry’s personality
A
- He was crowned King of England in 1429 (9 months) and King of France in 1431
- He declared his minority at an end in 1437 at the age of 16 (youngest to ever do so)
- Henry was a peace-loving man and deeply religious
- He was excessively generous
- He was easily persuaded to make unwise decisions
- He was an undermighty king in a court of overmighty subjects
- Henry fled during Cade’s revolt causing discontent in London
- Henry’s weakness created factions in court
2
Q
Financial Stability
A
- In 1450 the Gov went bankrupt and there was a trade depression reducing the Govs money
- The crown’s annual income dropped from £120,000 (during Henry V) to £33,000 by 1450 (during Henry VI)
- The crown was in a debt of £372,000
- This was due to Henry VI being excessively generous to his favourites
- The crown owed York £38,000 by 1450 (£17 million today)
- Somerset was regularly reimbursed, following a poor military campaign in France, Somerset was paid £25,000 by the crown whilst York’s debt remained unpaid
3
Q
The Duke of Somerset in France
A
- Henry clearly favoured Somerset (Edmund Beaufort)
- York is Lieutenant of France and had been successful in running France (1440-45)
- However Somerset and other nobles fear York is gaining too much power and tell Henry to call him back
- Somerset is made LoFrance in 1447 + Captain of Calais (1451)
- Somerset allows Normandy to be overrun by the French in under a year
- York previously held these titles
- York is sent (exiled) to Ireland and suffers due to a lack of finances
4
Q
Foreign policy
A
- The collapse of Northern France and the loss of Normandy were due to Henry
- The truce of Tours (22 May 1444) was kept a secret from York
- Henry VI marries Margaret, the niece of Charles VII
- Henry secretly surrenders Anjou and Maine to the French King which was against the policy his noblemen made
- Agreed to a 5-year ceasefire
- York had been successful in France (1440-45)
- Created a pro-war and anti-war faction due to weakness in court
- A bad Foreign policy reflects badly on the King
5
Q
Henry’s insanity
A
- August 1453 - Henry is in a catatonic state for the next 15 months
- Between August 1453 to Dec1454 the monarchy was left weak and unstable
- The collapse of royal authority allowed the development of private feuds
- In October 1453, Prince Edward was born
- However, Henry is unable to recognise him thus accused of being Somerset’s child
- York was appointed protector of the realm and commissioned Somerset to the tower (March 1454)
- Henry partially recovered in Dec 1454 and reversed York’s changes
- Henry’s insanity directly led to the 1st Battle of St. Albans
6
Q
Henrys 1st madness
A
August 1453 to Dec 1454
7
Q
Henrys 2nd madness
A
March 1455 to February 1456
