Henry VI (1422–1471) Flashcards
(27 cards)
What significant marriage occurred between 1445 and 1450?
Marriage to Margaret of Anjou in 1445 strengthens short-term ties with France.
What was the secret clause related to Maine?
The secret clause to give up Maine was unpopular when revealed, seen as treasonous surrender.
Margaret’s political influence rises rapidly.
What major loss occurred under Somerset’s leadership?
Loss of Normandy occurred between 1449 and 1450 under Somerset’s failed leadership.
What triggered Cade’s Rebellion in 1450?
Cade’s Rebellion erupted over corruption and royal failure, with rebels calling for justice and accusing ‘evil counsellors.’
Henry fled London, and Suffolk was executed by the mob.
What characterized York’s isolation from 1451 to 1453?
Richard, Duke of York was denied a role in government, while Somerset and Queen Margaret dominated all patronage.
What regional issues escalated during York’s isolation?
Regional unrest and noble feuds, such as the Percy–Neville conflict, escalated.
What significant event occurred in October 1453?
The birth of Prince Edward provided Lancastrian succession and hope of continuity.
What happened to Henry in August 1453?
Henry experienced a catatonic breakdown, unable to speak, move, or acknowledge his son.
This created a power vacuum filled by Margaret, who excluded Yorkists.
What was the outcome of the First Battle of St Albans in 1455?
The Yorkist victory resulted in the deaths of Somerset, Northumberland, and Clifford, while Henry was wounded and captured.
How did the Yorkists maintain legitimacy after the First Battle of St Albans?
The Yorkists kept Henry on the throne to maintain legality.
What happened between 1456 and 1458 regarding Margaret?
Margaret seizes control and appoints loyal household men. Lancastrian marriage alliances strengthen faction. Gentry alienated by biased sheriff appointments and purveyance abuse. Royal authority becomes regionalised and discredited.
What was the Loveday Ceremony?
A public reconciliation staged at St Paul’s Cathedral where York and Margaret walked together to show peace.
What was the significance of the Loveday Ceremony?
It was symbolic only; real divisions persisted beneath the surface.
What event marked the outbreak of full civil war in 1459?
The Parliament of Devils in November 1459, where the Lancastrian government attainted York and allies as traitors, making compromise impossible.
What occurred during the Yorkists’ return in June 1460?
They captured Henry at the Battle of Northampton and the Act of Accord in October 1460 made York heir, disinheriting Prince Edward.
What was Margaret’s response to the Act of Accord?
Margaret refused the Accord and raised an army, resuming the war.
What were the outcomes of the battles in 1461?
Lancastrians were defeated at Wakefield in December 1460 and Towton in March 1461. Henry offered no command or resistance.
What symbolized Henry’s helplessness after the battles?
Henry was found sitting under a tree near Towton.
What did Margaret do after the defeat in 1461?
Margaret fled to Scotland and continued to fight in Henry’s name.
What was the situation of Henry from 1461 to 1465?
Henry hid in the North, protected by nobles like de Roos, with no attempt to rebuild political legitimacy or army.
What happened to Henry from 1465 to 1470?
He was imprisoned in the Tower of London under Edward IV and was a symbolic figure with no practical role.
How was Henry used during the rebellion in 1470?
Warwick and Clarence used Henry to legitimise their rebellion.
What occurred in October 1470?
Henry was restored to the throne after Warwick overthrew Edward IV.
What was Henry’s role after his restoration?
He was a puppet king, described as a hollow figure who said nothing in Parliament.
