Paston family

Who were the Pastons?

An upwardly mobile gentry family based in Norfolk

Who was John Paston I?

A lawyer and legal advisor to a wealthy Norfolk Knight, Sir John Fastolf

What happened when Fastolf died in 1459?

John Paston claimed to be the main beneficiary thanks to a nuncupative will but this was widely contested

Who had strong territorial interests in the estates claimed by the Pastons?

The Mowbrays (earls of Norfolk) and the de la Poles (earls of Suffolk)

Give an example of rising tensions

In 1461 the Duke of Norfolk seized Caister castle for a period

What did Anthony Woodville do?

In January 1466 Woodville claimed Paston’s property in the King’s name

How did Edward IV establish control over the Council of the North?

He made his brother Richard of Gloucester, the most powerful figure in the Council of the North and in 1472 he married Richard to Anne Neville, the dead earl of Warwick’s daughter

How did Edward IV establish control over Wales?

He made his infant son and heir the Prince of Wales and earl of Chester in June 1471 and a loyal Yorkist council was created for him.