Weak Kings and Over Mighty Nobles



Weak Kings and Over Mighty Nobles

Introduction

The War of the Roses in 1471, and the previous forty years of struggle between the two Houses of Lancaster and York was what prevailed in the latter half of the fifteenth century. This had finally led to ousting of Henry VII and emergence of the new ruling party, the Tudors. In the year 1399, Henry Bolingboke was the Duke of Lancaster who snatched the throne from Richard II. Later Henry's son Henry V became a favorite due to his campaigns in France and no one contested their rule. It was under the rule of the feeble minded Henry VI and soon there was awakening of the right claim of the throne of Lancaster by Richard. in this paper we will discuss the fatal combination of weak kings and the presence of over mighty nobles in this era that led to the civil war of 1471.

Discussion

Treasonable language against Henry VI 1450

It was the Jack Cade's Rebellion in 1450, which was the start of treason against the weak King Henry VI. He was an ex-soldier in the army, accompanied by Knights and gentlemen to London where they killed a Bishop and demanded a reform. The rebellion was an uprising against the policies of the king by peasants and small land owners from Kent. There was a heavy burden of taxation and the loss of royal lands in France had all contributed to the revolt. The mob was able to disperse the government's men and entered London. At first the Londoners supported Cade, but later the violent behavior of his men turned the city against them and most of the mob requested pardon from the king and they returned home. Although, Cade was also pardoned by the King he was killed by Sheriff of Kent.

Madness of Henry VI & Rivalry for the regency 1454

Henry VI (1421-1471) was the King of England from 1422 to 1461 and from 1470-1471. He was the only son of Henry V and Catherine of France. The King was known for his piety and charity but his era was filled with rivalries from his close relatives like the uncles and ministers. In 1453, the King suffered from several bouts of madness which led him permanently weak. There has been speculation that Henry's illness was caused by sudden shock he had on an already unstable mind. He carried this issue in his genes and blood as it had also struck on his grandfather King Charles VI. It was speculated that even a minor noise caused the delicate mind of the King over the edge and disrupted the balance. However, there was other news brought to the King like the defeat and death of Earl of Shrewsbury, the destruction of his army at the Battle of Castillion and the acute dismay of the Queen Margaret all had led to immense strain on King's mind. The King wanted all the nobles to live in peace, but the methods he employed stayed ...