The consolidation of royal authority under Edward IV Flashcards
The development of new methods of government
overall his new methods of gov weren’t reforms but an effective use of management
he was more assertive and in control than Henry
dealt with L+O and his finance well
How did E4 maintain a balanced personal monarchy?
Ed put experienced men in positions of power who were both Y+L
ensured he had a balanced personal monarchy
Law and order
Ed was less lenient in his 2nd reign ensuring no one went unpunished
death of Clarence 18 February 1478
he ensured support of church so ppl would quickly return to obedience + this provided stability
kept communication with JP’s
forgave L and welcomed them into his reign
relied on nobility to maintain Law and Order
Livery and Maintenance
Ed passed a law in his 1st reign = prohibited retaining
this was not effectively enforced –> no LT impact
he dealt with a case-by-case basis for magnates who got out of line
Administration
Lancastrian nobility such as John Fortescue, john Morton and Richard Tunstall were all pardoned and given key roles within administration
this was effective in restoring Edwards’s authority as it meant he had experienced men in positions of power as well as both Y+L this ensured Edward had a balanced personal monarchy that reduced tensions between Y+L
His attitudes to Lancastrians were also generous, sensibly aiming to win them over rather than pushing them into permanent enmity such as Lord’s rivers welcomed them to the court.
Finance
relied on rent, grants + benevolences to maintain his finance
AOResumption gave him money + rent + power
was his own finance minister
Regional Contol in Wales
L strongholds in Wales were secured by William Herbet in 1471 (16yr old)
= too young so regional council created headed by EoRivers to administer the area
this was a good opportunity fro Ed to establish power in Wales whilst a strong leader wasn’t present
Lord Stanley in charge of Lancashire + Cheshire
DoNorfolk + Suffolk dominated East Anglia
Ed had reliable men in positions of power in places far from England to ensure control
Rivals
Warick died in Barnet = 14th April 1471
Prince Ed in Tewksbury = 4th May 1471
Margaret in prison
Henry captured + died in TOL = = 22nd May 1471
by removing op Ed was able to restore authority as no one was left to oppose him
Marriages
his children were key to making powerful alliances and peace with foreign countries
marriage of his son Richard to Anne the heiress of Norfolk
Edward’s Brothers
gave his brothers power so that his authority was spread across England
helped keep L+O
Gloucester in the North
Clarence in the midlands
New Men
Edward was able to do so successfully by creating new nobles such as Lord Hastings and Lord Herbert.
Hastings was head of Edward’s household whereas Herbert controlled Wales- a crucial role potentially rebellious region.
