The importance of the duke of York's First Protectorate

Between 1449 and 1453, England suffered major defeats in the Hundred Years War.

• In 1450, England lost Normandy, a valuable territory.

• In 1451–52, further losses followed in Gascony.

• The war effectively ended on 17 July 1453 at the Battle of Castillon, where the English commander John Talbotwas killed and his army badly defeated.

• Soon after, the French captured Bordeaux, and England was expelled from France entirely except for Calais.

Henry VI’s mental breakdown after the major defeats in the hundred year one

• The exact nature of his illness is unknown, but it left him totally incapable of ruling.

• For 17 months, Henry could not recognise people, respond to speech, or understand what was happening around him.

• He required constant care from servants to feed and support him, and remained at Windsor Castle, under doctors’ care and supervision by the royal council.

Birth of Henry’s heir

The question of who should govern in Henry’s place was extremely sensitive.

• This became even more difficult in October 1453, when Prince Edward, Henry’s son and heir, was born.

Great Council meeting in November 1453

• Somerset was accused of treason by the duke of Norfolk, a supporter of Richard, duke of York.

• The accusation was based on Somerset’s poor leadership in the Hundred Years War.

• Weakened by Henry’s illness, Somerset was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Margarets attempt to exclude York from power

Some letters from Parliament in 1454 suggest that Margaret of Anjou tried to be declared regent and to exclude York from power.

• However, York’s wealth and royal lineage made this unrealistic.

York’s First Protectorate (1454): York as defender of the realm

In late March 1454, Parliament appointed Richard, duke of York as Defender and Protector of the Realm.

York’s First Protectorate (1454): York’s intention

Historians debate York’s intentions:

• Some argue he planned to seize the throne early on.

• Others believe this ambition developed later as political conditions worsened.

• 1454 was a key moment for York to show whether he was a credible alternative ruler.

York’s First Protectorate (1454): Historian John Watts

• York ruled in a statesman-like, fair and non-partisan way.

• A pro-Yorkist chronicler claimed the Protectorate brought good governance and reduced disorder.

• York openly supported Prince Edward as heir and included advisers with a range of views, which appeared responsible and moderate.

York’s First Protectorate (1454): York was not fully trusted by the nobility

• Many were uneasy about him making major decisions without a king.

• Although Somerset was unpopular, he remained imprisoned but untried, showing York lacked enough noble support to secure a conviction.

• This suggests the nobility doubted York’s suitability as an alternative ruler.

Neville Support and Growing Conflict

York’s position improved when the powerful Neville family supported him in October 1453.

• This was partly due to a land dispute with Somerset over Glamorgan.

As Protector, York appointed Richard Neville, earl of Salisbury, as chancellor.

• This strengthened York’s position but was clearly partisan, undermining claims that he ruled purely in the public interest.

This decision angered the Percies, the Nevilles’ main rivals in the North.

• The Percies were supported by Henry Holland, duke of Exeter, and Lord Egremont.

Rebellion and Violence in the North: By May 1454:

Lord Egremont, Exeter and others were attempting to raise support in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire for an armed rebellion against York’s Protectorate.

Rebellion and Violence in the North: 19 May 1454

York led a strong force, supported by Lord Cromwell, and forced the rebels to fle

Rebellion and Violence in the North: Why restoring order was difficult

• Local officials were afraid to arrest rebels in Percy-controlled areas.

• In July 1454, York captured Exeter and imprisoned him in Pontefract Castle.

• Despite this, Neville–Percy violence continued, with fighting breaking out again near Stamford Bridge in autumn 1454.

The end of the First Protectorate: When did Henry VI recover form his illness and what was the impact of this on York?

Henry VI recovered from his illness at Christmas 1454, which weakened York’s position, especially his actions against Exeter.

The end of the First Protectorate: What prisoners were released?

Henry was weak-willed and easily influenced, and he was quickly persuaded to release prisoners who had been jailed during York’s Protectorate. These included:

• The duke of Exeter

• The duke of Somerset

The end of the First Protectorate: What was the effect of Somersets release?

Henry cleared Somerset of all treason charges, and Somerset soon returned to a leading role in government.
As a result, on 9 February 1455, York resigned as Protector, and power returned to a court faction led by Margaret of Anjou and Somerset.

Effect of the End of the Protectorate: Why was it not significant?

• It lasted for a short time, and

• Henry VI reversed many of York’s decisions soon after his recovery.

This publicly undermined York and likely increased his desire to gain greater control of government.

Effect of the End of the Protectorate: Why was it significant?

Shows how York might have ruled as king.

• He handled the serious problems caused by Henry’s weak leadership reasonably effectively.

• Although York lacked widespread noble support, his most important achievement was strengthening his alliance with the powerful Neville family.

This alliance was crucial, as the Nevilles supported the Yorkist cause for the next decade.