Baronial Factions (Suffolk, Somerset, York + Gloucester)

What were the main factions?

• Gloucester vs Suffolk

• York vs Somerset

  • Margaret of Anjou

• Percys vs Nevilles

When was the minority?

1422-37

Who led the dominant faction in the royal court prior to and following 1450?

Prior to 1450, Suffolk led the dominant faction in the royal court and had the most influence over the king. After Suffolk's death, Somerset became his favourite advisor.

Why was Suffolk disliked leading up to 1450?

He'd arranged the unpopular 1444 Treaty of Tours, England gave up Maine + married MoA with no dowry for peace. Gloucester protested losing Maine + clashed with Suffolk, Suffolk had him arrested where he later died. Suffolk was suspected of killing Gloucester + accused of treason and misguiding the king.

How did Suffolk cause Cade's Rebellion?

Suffolk was an example of the corrupt advisors Cade's Rebellion was rebelling against. He was accused of treason and later pardoned, but in May 1450 Henry VI was forced to exile him. He was beheaded on the ship and his body washed up on Kent, where the people of Kent feared punishment for the dead noble arriving there.

What was Somerset and MoA's relationship?

Somerset and Anjou were allied. Anjou, unable to have political power herself, ruled through influence on the king and her alliance with Somerset giving her a way in to the royal court.

Why did Somerset and York clash over Normandy?

York had done well maintaining lands in France until 1447 when he was effectively demoted from Lieutenant of France to Ireland and Somerset was given his place. In 1450, Normandy, the most valuable land in France, was lost. York blamed Somerset, who later became Captain of Calais in 1451 despite this failure.

Somerset vs York

• Fell out over war.

• Somerset became a favourite of MoA.

• York felt isolated and that he wasn’t being treated as a powerful Duke.

• York was sidelined, made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to get him out of the way.

• Was owed £38,000 while Somerset was repaid everything.

• Feud was underestimated by Henry.

How was York being next in line relevant?

Until his death, Gloucester was heir of the throne. York became heir apparent, meaning he was the heir but hadn't been recognised by the king. Because of this, he expected to be a dominant advisor instead of Somerset. After Cade's Rebellion, one of his bills asked for his position as heir to be recognised, which was ignored. Later, one of his supporters who suggested him being recognised as heir was put in the tower.

How is York connected to the Percys and Nevilles dispute?

York married Cecily Neville, allying him with the Neville family. In St. Albans, he fought alongside the Nevilles Warwick and Salisbury. Northumberland, Henry Percy, was also killed in the battle.

Who was Gloucester?

Gloucester was one of Henry VI's uncles and a member of his regency council. He had been a strong supporter of Henry V's aggressive policies in France.

How did Gloucester die?

Gloucester clashed with Suffolk over France and the Treaty of Tours. He protested over losing Maine, and Suffolk had him arrested. He died a prisoner, leaving Suffolk a suspect in his death.

Percys vs Nevilles

• Original cause is unknown.

• 1452 William Percy was made Bishop of Carlisle, traditionally a Neville title.

• Anti-Neville people saw the Percys as their leader.

• Nevilles were traditionally Yorkist.

• Percys were traditionally Lancastrian.

• Triggered the Skirmish at Heworth Moor.

Skirmish at Heworth Moor

• August 1453

• Attack led by Lord Egremont (P) against a Neville bridal party.

• Thomas Neville was going to inherit Percy estates by marrying Lord Cromwell’s daughter.

• This was too much for Lord Egremont who ambushed them on their way back home.

• He had intended to assassinate the Nevilles but they were a larger force than expected (around 1000).

• A mutual fear of fighting led to little bloodshed.