Edward IV (1471-83) Flashcards
(19 cards)
What was a key strength of Edward IV’s Second Reign regarding authority?
Ruthless Restoration of Authority (1471–1472) involved killing key Lancastrians and executing rebels, which helped secure obedience.
Key figures killed included Prince Edward and Henry VI. Financial punishments were imposed on rebel towns, such as Kent being fined £1,700.
What administrative reforms did Edward IV implement during his Second Reign?
He strengthened the Chamber system to bypass the corrupt Exchequer and tightly controlled income from royal estates.
Introduced the Black Book of the Household (1471–2) and the Ordinance of 1478 to curb court expenditure.
What was established to govern troublesome areas more effectively during Edward IV’s Second Reign?
The Council of Wales and the Marches was set up in 1472.
This aimed to improve governance in problematic regions.
What was a key early success of Edward’s strong foreign policy?
Edward gained funding from Parliament in October 1472 and led an invasion in 1475.
Although no battle occurred, the Treaty of Picquigny in August 1475 secured a £15,000 down payment and a £10,000 annual French pension (paid until 1482).
Who were rewarded as loyalists under Edward’s control through patronage?
Hastings (Captain of Calais), Gloucester (North), Rivers (Wales), and Thomas Grey (Southwest).
How did Edward reconcile with Lancastrians?
He co-opted figures like Sir John Fortescue and John Morton into government.
What was a major weakness related to rivalry within the royal family?
The quarrel between Clarence and Gloucester over the Neville inheritance (1471–74) caused repeated disruption.
What action did Clarence take against Anne Neville?
Clarence tried to prevent Anne Neville’s marriage to Gloucester and even hid her in disguise.
What led to Clarence’s disloyalty and execution in 1478?
He spread rumors that Edward was illegitimate and staged a fake trial against Ankarette Twynho in 1477.
Who did Clarence link himself with in his plots?
He used controversial figures like Dr. Goddard.
What was the outcome of Clarence’s actions?
Edward had Clarence tried and executed in February 1478 – a brutal but necessary act to maintain stability.
What was the consequence of dependence on factional loyalty among the Woodvilles and Greys?
Power was concentrated among the Woodvilles, alienating others.
How did Hastings and others react to Woodville dominance?
They became hostile to Woodville dominance.
What happened to some nobles like Clarence in relation to the Woodvilles?
Some nobles, like Clarence, had executed Woodville kin earlier.
What was a significant issue in foreign policy post-1475?
The 1475 invasion was wasted when promised support from Brittany never arrived.
What was the impact of the Treaty of Arras (1482)?
It undermined Edward’s diplomacy and the betrothal of his son Edward to Anne of Brittany fell through.
What was a failed promise regarding Henry Tudor?
There was a failure to retrieve Henry Tudor from Brittany despite promises.
What was the situation upon Edward IV’s death in April 1483?
Edward IV left a child-heir, Edward V, who was aged 12, amid a deeply divided nobility.
What issue arose from Edward IV’s lack of clarity regarding power?
Edward IV did not clarify the balance of power between Gloucester and the Woodvilles, leading directly to the crisis that followed, known as the Princes in the Tower.
