Chronicles

Question 1

Context of Gregory’s Chronicle 1461-1469

Answer 1

Created by William Gregory, mayor of London.

Covers the ranges of several Monix from Henry VI to Richard III.

It documents:
* the mental health of Henry VI
* the rise of Richard Duke of York
* shifting alliances between the Lancaster and Yorkist factions
* perspective of London citizens who played a role in shaping political outcomes

Question 2

Significance of Gregory’s Chronicle

Answer 2

Provide a grounded view of urban politics in London.

Brings insight into social dynamics caused by war

Detailed accounts about key events such as major battles like the Battle of St Albans .

Question 3

Limitations of Gregory’s Chronicle

Answer 3

Due to his political role in London, William Gregory has bias towards the yorkists, due to his experience of the poor governance of the house of Lancaster, portraying yorkist leaders like Edward IV as more capable

Question 4

Context of Warkworth’s Chronicle 1461-1474

Answer 4

John Warkworth, a master of Peter house Cambridge, likely written this between 1461 and 1474. It is debated whether he wrote this.

Covers:
* From the years of the death of Henry VI, 1471.
* associated political instability of Edward IV’s efforts to become king.
* the capture and imprisonment of Henry VI and the shifting alliances of his nobility to the Yorkists

Question 5

Significance of Warkworth’s chronicle

Answer 5

• known to have been written by someone who lived during the war of the roses, and so provides a first hand observation of the events.
• it specific focus on major battles, such as the battle of Towton, and other major events such as Henry’s deposition and death, and also the rise of yorkist dominance

Question 6

Limitations of Warkworth’s Chronicle

Answer 6

The Chronicle shows leniency towards the house of Lancaster, critiquing Edward IV for his policies.

Henry is portrayed as holy and a virtuous king, and his failures are downplayed, and they passed on to his advisers rather than making Henry the face of his mistakes

Due to its religious context, yorkists were depicted as sinful for their uprising

Question 7

Context of the Crowland Chronicle 1486

Answer 7

• associated with Crowland Abbey in Lincolnshire
• written around 1486 and covers the events of the death of Richard Duke of York, 1460, and the reins of Edward IV and Richard III
• the author is anonymous but evidence suggests that it was likely a monk with strong connections to the Royal court

Question 8

Significance of the Crowland Chronicle

Answer 8

• provides an insider perspective of Yorkist politics
• detailed narrative of key events of Edwards reign
• analysis of political morality
• shaped the narrative of Richard III as a controversial figure

Question 9

Limitations of the Crowland Chronicle

Answer 9

Heavily biased towards Edward IV and heavily critical of Richard III. The chronicle brings support for Henry VII, as it provided a narrative that justice had been served for dethroning Richard III

Question 10

Context of the Historie Arrival of Edward 1471

Answer 10

Made by Nicholas Harpisfeld - clerk of the king’s signet

Sent this in short form as a newsletter to Bruges, where Edward resided in due to a rebellion led by Richard Neville, to show Kind Louis XI of France that he was a capable king

Compiled a chronicle that was six times bigger that the newsletter which is believed he had help to compile this

Question 11

Significance of the Historie of the Arrival of Edward IV

Answer 11

First had account of Edward under Yorkist battles

Question 12

Limitations of the Historie of the Arrival of Edward IV

Answer 12

Heavily bias against the Lancastrians but not enough to be a propaganda letter