The Battle of Northampton

Question 1

The Battle of Northampton

Answer 1

10th July 1460

Question 2

Leaders

Answer 2

Duke of Buckingham
Earl of Shrewsbury
Lord Egremont
were leading Lancastrian leaders who joined the King’s forces
They were all killed in the Battle of Northampton

Warwick, Earl of March (later King Edward IV) and Lord Fauconberg
AND Lord Grey switches sides

Question 3

Filling the political vacuum

Answer 3

Henry was captured

In order to fill the political vacuum left by Henry, York decided to take on the position of King himself

On 8th September 1460, York returned to England displaying the Royal banner and used the date of his letters for his royal Arms instead of Henry VI’s Regnal year

York was claiming to be king

Question 4

York’s claim to the throne

Answer 4

York supported his claim to the English crown with his inheritance through Lionel, Duke of Clarence, son of Edward III

This put him in a higher position than Henry

Question 5

Response to York

Answer 5

However, York did not receive the response he thought he would from Parliament despite it being under Yorkist control

Henry had been ruling for 40 years

On October 16th, York was forced to submit a written case for his claim to the throne which gave parliament and Henry time to stall

There was an impasse (deadlock) as York’s written case was passed from the House of Lords to the King and then to judges

Question 6

Act of Accord

Answer 6

On 25th October 1460, a compromise was reached through the Acts of Accord

1. Henry remained on the throne
2. York was to govern as protector
3. York was named Henry’s heir

Question 7

How successful was the Act of Accord

Answer 7

This act was unlikely to succeed at restoring peace as it created political uncertainty across England

England’s law and order was breaking down because of political uncertainty

Yorks Protectorate and status as heir was the start of the war and lead to a strong group of supporters around Queen Margaret and Edward

Warwick was no longer on York’s side on this matter

Yorks’s role as protector was not as formal as in 1454 and was clearly overshadowed by his personal ambition to oust the Queen and win back his land and power

Question 8

Switching sides

Answer 8

Warwick was in secret communication with Grey. An offer of land to extend Grey’s estates was sufficient to cause him to change sides and conceal his defection until the battle.

Lord Grey defects to the Yorkist side which lead to a swift Victory

The Battle lasted 30 minutes with 300 kills